MARC CHAGALL | L'Écuyère en rose

Estate of the Artist
Galerie Odermatt, Paris (acquired by 1995)
Private Collection, Florida (acquired from the above in 1996)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

The canvas is not lined and there appears to be no signs of retouching under UV light. The colours are bright and fresh. There is a possible small loss to the composition at upper left corner and to the right knee of the central figure. There is minor frame abrasion which is not visible when framed. This work is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The theme of the circus was explored endlessly by Chagall throughout his long career. Growing up in the Russian town of Vitebsk, he was accustomed to seeing street performers and acrobats: memories that were transformed into some of his most iconic and energetic works. The circus gave Chagall the opportunity to explore some of his most profound themes, such as loss, fantasy, and escapism. Later, while living in Paris, he frequently attended shows accompanied by Ambroise Vollard. Chagall considered the spectacle of the circus as a crucially visual and poetic experience, a transcendental parallel to everyday life, which satisfied his imagination and his propensity for pure travel and lyricism: ‘the circus is a magical world, a continuous dancing game in which tears and laughter, the movement of arms and legs constitute a totally unique art’ (Marc Chagall, Le Cirque (exhibition catalogue), Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York, 1981, n.p.).

The dancer at the centre of the present composition glows with a resplendent pink, which contrasts beautifully with the blues and greens of the figures surrounding her. The violinist to her right and the floating profile of the female head at the bottom left of the canvas are frequent motifs within Chagall’s œuvre. The tiered seating within the circus tent frames the composition with the audience painted in a floral cacophony of colour. L'écuyère en rose invites us to join in with the joy of this circus imagined by Chagall, and experience the music and its escapist nature.



The authenticity of this work has kindly been confirmed by the Comité Chagall.