Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall, The Horsewoman, from Derriere le miroir, 1956

1956

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Le Cheval Brun (The Brown Horse), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 44-45, originates from the 1952 edition published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1952. This lyrical composition captures Chagall’s mastery of color, symbolism, and dreamlike vision—melding folklore and spirituality into a poetic reflection on imagination and the natural world. Executed as a lithograph on velin paper, this work measures 15 x 22 inches, with centerfold as issued. Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the superb craftsmanship of Mourlot Freres, Paris. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Le Cheval Brun (The Brown Horse), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 44-45 Medium: Lithograph on velin paper Dimensions: 15 x 22 inches (38.1 x 55.9 cm), with centerfold as issued Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1952 Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue Raisonne References: Cramer, Patrick. *Marc Chagall: The Illustrated Books*. Geneva: Patrick Cramer Publisher, 1974, no. 21; Mourlot, Fernand. *Chagall: The Lithographs*. Monte Carlo: Andre Sauret, 1960, no. 61. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 44-45, published by Maeght Editeur, Paris; printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1952 About the Publication: Derriere le miroir (Behind the Mirror) was one of the most important art publications of the 20th century, created and published by Maeght Editeur in Paris from 1946 to 1982. Founded by the visionary art dealer and publisher Aime Maeght, the series served as both an exhibition catalogue and a work of art in its own right, uniting original lithographs by leading modern and contemporary artists with critical essays, poetry, and design of the highest quality. Printed by master lithographers such as Mourlot Freres and Arte, Derriere le miroir became synonymous with the artistic vanguard of postwar Europe. Each issue was devoted to a single artist or theme and published to accompany exhibitions at the Galerie Maeght in Paris, featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, Fernand Leger, and Alberto Giacometti, among others. The publication reflected Maeght’s belief that art should be both accessible and elevated—an ideal realized through its luxurious production values, meticulous printing, and collaboration with the greatest creative minds of its time. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for *Les Amoureux* (1928). Marc Chagall Le Cheval Brun Derriere le miroir No. 44-45, Chagall Mourlot Freres, Chagall Maeght...

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