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Solid Travertin Dining Table by Arthur Vallin
Located in 1204, CH
The Chubby Collection is an ode to the Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero. Chubby borrows the roundness which becomes a sensual way to sculpt stone and give it an unique folded visual aspect.
Each piece is hand-made and the stone is carefully selected to ensure the “fold” effect, a real sensation to have a folded piece of stone. Each elements of this console is carved in one single piece of Travertine Navona...
Category
2010s Italian Switzerland
Materials
Travertine
ETRO black & gold viscose ATHEMONION LUREX Sweater 40 S
By Etro
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Etro sweater in black viscose (80%) and gold lurex (20%) showcases the house’s signature flair for rich color and pattern. Adorned with a striking Anthemion print...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Switzerland
Landscape 152 by Jean Krille - Oil on Masonite 80x100 cm
By Jean Krille
Located in Geneva, CH
Jean Krillé’s paintings are known for their expressive use of color and dynamic, abstract forms, blending realism with abstraction in his depictions of nature. His landscapes often f...
Category
Late 20th Century Expressionist Switzerland
Materials
Masonite, Oil
Postmodern Chrome Armchair in the Manner of John Mascheroni Grey Velvet, Casters
Located in Basel, BS
Incredible tubular chrome 1970s chairs on very gorgeous chrome, ball casters / wheels. Very clean condition on the frame. Brand new upholstery, in stunning condition. In the style of...
Category
20th Century Modern Switzerland
Materials
Chrome
$680 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Remarkable Emerald Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Discover the allure of the Remarkable Emerald Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring, meticulously crafted from 18K yellow gold and adorned with dazzling diamonds (0.67 ct), radiant e...
Category
2010s Swiss Modern Switzerland
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
BURBERRY beige wool cashmere KENSINGTON TRENCH Coat Jacket 6 XS
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Burberry London Kensington trench coat is crafted from a luxurious blend of pale beige wool (80%) and cashmere (20%). It features classic trench details such as e...
Category
2010s Switzerland
BOTTEGA VENETA orange silk Button Up Shirt Blouse 38 XS
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Bottega Veneta shirt in orange silk (100%) with shawl collar and long sleeve. Closes with five buttons on the front and has buttoned cuffs. Unlined. Has been worn and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
Amazing Topaz White Diamond White Gold 18 Karat Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 18K Ring (Matching Earrings Available)
Weight 10.18 gram
Size 17
Diamond 13-Round 57-0,13-5/6A
Topaz 4Oval-10,83/1A
Topaz 2Oval-7,05/1A
Topaz 1-Oval-0,52/1A
With a heri...
Category
2010s Switzerland
Materials
White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,162 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Chain Style Diamond Rose 18K Gold for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 18K (Matching Bracelet Available)
With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-based jewelry brand that creates modern jewelry master...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Switzerland
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$7,427 Sale Price
20% Off
LORO PIANA charcoal grey cashmere FUR TRIM KNIT Cape Jacket M
By Loro Piana
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Loro Piana wrap cape in charcoal grey cashmere exudes classic chic elegance. It features a luxurious black chinchilla fur collar and refined suede trims, adding s...
Category
2010s Switzerland
DOLCE & GABBANA black leather MISS ROMANTIQUE Shoulder Bag
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Dolce & Gabbana Miss Romantique bag in black calfskin with details and trimming in patent leather. Opens with two magnetic buttons on top and is lined in black canvas ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Switzerland
Attractive Multisapphire Diamond Rose Gold 18K Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RING 18K Rose Gold Diamond 0.41 Cts/66 Pcs Multi Sapphire 2.29 Cts/30 Pcs
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Rose Gold
$2,507 Sale Price / item
20% Off
CHRISTIAN DIOR dusty pink cotton 2019 LACE SLEEVELESS WRAP Dress XS
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2019 lace embellished wrap dress in dusty rose cotton (77%) and polyamide (23%). Features a deep v-neck and opens with a button and a belt...
Category
2010s Switzerland
Pomellato Duna Ring with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Pomellato
Located in Lucerne, CH
The Pomellato Duna ring is a refined piece inspired by the soft curves of desert dunes.
Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, its smooth, sculptural design reflects light beautifully. A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Switzerland
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
MISSONI white viscose 2022 SEQUIN EMBELLISHED KNIT MAXI Dress 38 XS
By Missoni
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Missoni pleated rib-knit dress in white viscose (76%), polyamide (14%), and polyester (10%) is adorned with multicolored stripes and shimmering sequins throughout...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
“Creux de Genthod” by Guy Pittet - Pastel on Paper - 65x50 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
**Artwork sold WITHOUT frame**
Guy Pittet (1929–2010) was a Swiss painter and watercolorist celebrated for his evocative depictions of urban and natural scenes, particularly those c...
Category
1980s Modern Switzerland
Materials
Paper, Pastel
Vase aux chèvres (A.R. 156), Pablo Picasso, Design, Ceramic, Madoura, Limited
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Geneva, CH
Vase aux chèvres (A.R. 156), July 6th, 1952
Ed. 40 pcs
H. 19 cm I H. 7 1/2 in
White earthenware clay, deep engraving filled with oxidized paraffin, dipped in white enamel
Dated on on...
Category
20th Century Post-War Switzerland
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware
Swiss Alpine Folk Art ESCABELLE from Bulle Village A 24
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Swiss alpine folk art ESCABELLE from Bulle village A 24.
Category
1840s Swiss Antique Switzerland
Materials
Wood
Christian Dior SS 2019 Lily of the Valley Print Tulle Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Geneva, CH
The lily of the valley was Mr. Christian Dior’s favorite flower and one of his lucky charms. He dedicated his whole Spring 1954 collection to his favorite flower.
For the Spring Summ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Switzerland
$2,471 Sale Price
40% Off
CELINE cream cotton 2022 TASSLED CROCHET MIDI Dress S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine dress in cream crochet cotton embodies effortless bohemian elegance. Designed with a fit-and-flare silhouette, it features a midi length, long sleeves, and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
BOTTEGA VENETA sage green silk BUSTIER MIDI Dress 42 S
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Bottega Veneta sleeveless bustier midi dress in 100% sage silk. Opens with buttons on the left and features cut-outs on the front and back. Flared towards the back and...
Category
Early 2000s Switzerland
$1,040 Sale Price
20% Off
CHLOE Motty grey suede PIXIE MEDIUM DOUBLE HANDLE Bag
By Chloé
Located in Zürich, CH
Chloé 'Pixie Medium Double Handle' circle shoulder bag in Motty grey paneled calfskin and suede with stud trim. Brassy round tote handles. Removable and adjustable shoulder strap. Fl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Switzerland
Christian Dior Fall 2008 Black and Off-white Houndstooth Dress by John Galliano
By Christian Dior
Located in Geneva, CH
This pre-owned in very good condition dress was part of the Fall 2008 collection designed by John Galliano.
It is crafted in a beautiful houndstooth wool fabric and is trimmed with b...
Category
Early 2000s French Switzerland
$1,098 Sale Price
20% Off
KOENIG "Art Deco"
Located in St. Moritz, CH
The House of KOENIG creates sustainable jewels, using exclusively recycled precious metals and conflict-free gemstones that inspire and endure. 100% SWISS HANDMADE
Manufactured in ...
Category
2010s Swiss Art Deco Switzerland
Materials
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
$126,000
Lake view by A. Muller - Oil on canvas 60x73 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on canvas with a frame; total size 80x93 cm
Category
1940s Expressionist Switzerland
Materials
Oil
$1,496 Sale Price
20% Off
DOLCE & GABBANA black viscose SLEEVELESS EVENING GOWN Dress XS
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Dolce & Gabbana long, sleeveless evening dress exudes elegance in black acetate and viscose with a tailored silhouette. The dress features a hidden back zipper an...
Category
2010s Switzerland
CHANEL pistachio green cashmere 15P CC TUNRLOCK Crewneck Sweater 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel classic sweater is crafted from soft pistachio green cashmere (100%). It features elegant silver-tone CC turn-locks on the neck, along with a crew neck, ri...
Category
2010s Switzerland
MIU MIU coral red orange leather EPAULETTES BIKER Jacket 42 M
By Miu Miu
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Miu Miu jacket in coral lamb leather (100%). Features epaulettes the shoulders, zipped cuffs, one flap pocket and a zip pocket on the fro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
GIANVITO ROSSI black lace PORTOFINO 85 Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Gianvito Rossi
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Gianvito Rossi 85 Portofino sandals in black suede and lace. They have buckled ankle straps stiletto heels. Have been worn and are in excellent condition.
Measuremen...
Category
2010s Switzerland
HERMES Naturel Hunter / Criss Viking HERBAG A DOS ZIP RETOURNE Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Herbag a Dos Zip Retourne backpage in Naturel Vache Hunter leather and Ecru-Beige Toile Criss Viking canvas. Features a z...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Switzerland
CHANEL raspberry cashmere 2016 16K DROP WAIST KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2016 crochet trim sleeveless knit dress in raspberry cashmere (81%) and silk (19%). Features zipped sides, a drop waist and a pink 'CC' emblem at the front. Sem...
Category
2010s Switzerland
CHANEL black & silver 23P LUREX STRIPED FLARED Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel dress in black polyamide (87%) and elastane (13%) with silver lurex pinstripes offers a sleek and modern take on classic elegance. Featuring a sleeveless, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
CHLOE beige & multi cashmere & wool 2021 TURTLENECK Sweater M
By Chloé
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chloé sweater in rust, brown, and beige mélange cashmere (69%) and wool (31%) embodies effortless sophistication. Designed with a classic fit, it features a cozy ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Switzerland
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Filigree Ring Band
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, CH
Alex Jona design collection, handcrafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold Filigree Band Ring.
This ring is available in all sizes. Being hand made d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Switzerland
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHANEL black silk 21C CAPRI SIDE RUFFLE Pants 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel pants in black silk (100% – please note the content tag is missing) embody refined elegance with a touch of drama. Designed with a high waist and wide legs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
CHRISTIAN DIOR white canvas WALK'N'DIOR PLATFORM Sneakers Shoes 37.5
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior Walk'n'Dior platform sneakers in white canvas with black and white embroidered tongue and Christian Dior laces. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
THE ROW black leather HUNTINGTON 7 Crossbody Bag
By The Row
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic The Row Hunting 7 crossbody bag in black smooth calfskin leather. Features an adjustable shoulder strap with gold-tone hardware and exterior pocket on the back. Closes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Switzerland
CHANEL black & pink wool blend 23K TWEED Jacket 44 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket in black and pale pink tweed is crafted from a luxurious blend of wool (84%), polyamide (11%), polyurethane (3%), and acrylic (2%), featuring a refi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
Fashion Everyday Blue Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14K (Matching Earrings Available)
Diamond 12-RND57-0,16-4/6A
Blue Sapphire 10-RND-0,04 Т(4)/2A
Blue Sapphire 1-Oval-0,37 Т(4)/3A
Blue Sapphire 4-1,47 Т(4)/3A
Wei...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Switzerland
Materials
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
$3,341 Sale Price
20% Off
LOUIS VUITTON white cotton 2013 TWILL SHORT SWING Coat Jacket 38 S
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton short swing coat is crafted from white twill cotton (75%) and polyamide (25%), featuring a mod-inspired A-line silhouette with oversized Peter Pan l...
Category
2010s Switzerland
Alex Jona Red Coral Branch White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, CH
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold pendant centering two Japanese Coral branches, set with 37 white diamonds weighing 0.44 carats suspending from...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Switzerland
Materials
Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dante Morozzi ceramic sculpture dated 1931 and signed
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Ceramic signed and dated 1931 D.Morozzi, little damage on the foot, see photo
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Switzerland
Materials
Ceramic
Rene Prou drawing for the Paquebot France salon
By René Prou
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Rene Prou drawing for the Paquebot France salon little damage on the paper at left see photo
Category
1950s French Vintage Switzerland
Materials
Paper
Swiss Alpine Folk Art Escabelle from Grisons Country a 8
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Swiss alpine folk art escabelle from Grisons country A 8.
Category
Early 19th Century Swiss Antique Switzerland
Materials
Wood
Kaj Franck Glass Vase Nuutajärvi Notsjö Finland 1964
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Basel, BS
Octagonal shaped glass vase designed by Kaj Franck, model KF298 for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Finland, 1964.
Made of purple colored cased glass, hand-signed on bottom.
Height: 19.5 cm
Dia...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Switzerland
Materials
Crystal
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG DVF brown silk JEANNE LEOPARD WRAP Dress 6 S
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Diane von Furstenberg Jeanne leopard wrap dress in black and brown silk (100%). Features long sleeves. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition.
Measureme...
Category
2010s Switzerland
HERMES Etoupe Epsom black Swift leather GAMMA 24mm Reversible Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Gamma 24mm reversible belt in Etoupe (taupe) Epsom and black Veau Epsom swift leather with palladium buckle. Has been worn and is in...
Category
2010s Switzerland
Decorative naive ceramic box
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Decorative naive ceramic box , the bottom is open
Category
1970s European Vintage Switzerland
Materials
Ceramic
Hollywood Regency style Nesting Tables
Located in Bern, CH
Pair of Hollywood Regency style nesting tables (set includes 2 tables). Clear glass tabletop with gold metal frame and leg bases. Transparent acrylic Legs.
Measurements:
Small Tab...
Category
1970s Swiss Hollywood Regency Vintage Switzerland
Materials
Metal
$472 Sale Price
30% Off
De Sede DS-2100/161 Armchair in Royal Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The slats on DS-2100 in finest leather adapt to individual body contours and provide - with its embracing feeling - the highest level of comfort. Available as a low-backed, visitor s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Switzerland
Materials
Leather
Rare Documented Emilio Pucci Fish Print Silk "Cloqué" Maxi Dress, circa 1965
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Geneva, CH
Emilio Pucci has perfected the art of effortless elegant and endlessly wearable garments. Since its beginning (the brand was founded in 1947), the Italian label continues to this day...
Category
1960s Italian Switzerland
1980s Post Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair MCM
By Louis Durot
Located in Basel, BS
Thank you for visiting our shop.
We have two of these fabulous chairs. The price here is for one, they are sold individually here.
These are stunning examples of 1980 Postmodern L...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Switzerland
Materials
Metal
$2,817 Sale Price / item
20% Off
BOTTEGA VENETA mustard cashmere 2016 SUN RAY MOCK NECK Sweater 40 S
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Bottega Veneta 2016 sun ray sweater in mustard rib knit cashmere (100%). Features a mock neck, small twist details and rib knit cuffs and hem. Unlined. Has been worn a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Switzerland
HERMES orange silk twill LES VOITURES A TRANSFORMATION Twilly Scarf Cobalt
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Twilly Les Voitures A Transformation in Orange, Cobalt and Vermillon silk (100%). Has been carried with some faint stains on the front (see pictures). Overall i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Switzerland
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2002 Runway Sheer Silk Lace Corset Black Slip Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Baar, CH
Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2002 Runway Sheer Lace Corset Black Mini Dress
Size: Italian 40 / FR 36 / US 4
Condition: Very Good
Category
Early 2000s Italian Switzerland
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black wool 2013 PEPLUM MIDI Dress 42 M
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Alexander McQueen midi dress is crafted from black stretchy wool (with 5% elastane) and features a striking fitted silhouette with a dramatic peplum, a wide ruffl...
Category
2010s Switzerland
CHANEL black wool 2016 16A ROME RIBBON TRIM LONG TWEE Jacket 42 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel little black tweed long jacket is crafted from black wool (100%) and features a collarless, long silhouette with a boxy fit. The design includes the classi...
Category
2010s Switzerland
Pink Tourmaline Necklace in 18K White Gold by Bucherer
By Bucherer
Located in Lucerne, CH
Make a bold statement with this exquisite Bucherer necklace, crafted in 18 Karat white gold and featuring a captivating 5.85-carat oval-cut pink tourmaline as its dazzling centerpiec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Switzerland
Materials
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Little witches 2
Located in Genève, GE
Erotic scene
Work on paper
Wooden frame with glass pane
49.5 x 41.5 x 1.3 cm
Category
1960s Modern Switzerland
Materials
Ink
Marc Chagall - Homage to Marc Chagall - Original Lithograph
By Marc Chagall
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Marc Chagall
Original Lithograph
1969
From the revue XXe Siecle, edition of 12,000
Unsigned, as issued
Dimensions: 32 x 24
Condition : Excellent
Reference: Mourlot 572
Marc Chagall (born in 1887)
Marc Chagall was born in Belarus in 1887 and developed an early interest in art. After studying painting, in 1907 he left Russia for Paris, where he lived in an artist colony on the city’s outskirts. Fusing his own personal, dreamlike imagery with hints of the fauvism and cubism popular in France at the time, Chagall created his most lasting work—including I and the Village (1911)—some of which would be featured in the Salon des Indépendants exhibitions. After returning to Vitebsk for a visit in 1914, the outbreak of WWI trapped Chagall in Russia. He returned to France in 1923 but was forced to flee the country and Nazi persecution during WWII. Finding asylum in the U.S., Chagall became involved in set and costume design before returning to France in 1948. In his later years, he experimented with new art forms and was commissioned to produce numerous large-scale works. Chagall died in St.-Paul-de-Vence in 1985.
The Village
Marc Chagall was born in a small Hassidic community on the outskirts of Vitebsk, Belarus, on July 7, 1887. His father was a fishmonger, and his mother ran a small sundries shop in the village. As a child, Chagall attended the Jewish elementary school, where he studied Hebrew and the Bible, before later attending the Russian public school. He began to learn the fundamentals of drawing during this time, but perhaps more importantly, he absorbed the world around him, storing away the imagery and themes that would feature largely in most of his later work.
At age 19 Chagall enrolled at a private, all-Jewish art school and began his formal education in painting, studying briefly with portrait artist Yehuda Pen. However, he left the school after several months, moving to St. Petersburg in 1907 to study at the Imperial Society for the Protection of Fine Arts. The following year, he enrolled at the Svanseva School, studying with set designer Léon Bakst, whose work had been featured in Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. This early experience would prove important to Chagall’s later career as well.
Despite this formal instruction, and the widespread popularity of realism in Russia at the time, Chagall was already establishing his own personal style, which featured a more dreamlike unreality and the people, places and imagery that were close to his heart. Some examples from this period are his Window Vitebsk (1908) and My Fianceé with Black Gloves (1909), which pictured Bella Rosenfeld, to whom he had recently become engaged.
The Beehive
Despite his romance with Bella, in 1911 an allowance from Russian parliament member and art patron Maxim Binaver enabled Chagall to move to Paris, France. After settling briefly in the Montparnasse neighborhood, Chagall moved further afield to an artist colony known as La Ruche (“The Beehive”), where he began to work side by side with abstract painters such as Amedeo Modigliani and Fernand Léger as well as the avant-garde poet Guillaume Apollinaire. At their urging, and under the influence of the wildly popular fauvism and cubism, Chagall lightened his palette and pushed his style ever further from reality. I and the Village (1911) and Homage to Apollinaire (1912) are among his early Parisian works, widely considered to be his most successful and representative period.
Though his work stood stylistically apart from his cubist contemporaries, from 1912 to 1914 Chagall exhibited several paintings at the annual Salon des Indépendants exhibition, where works by the likes of Juan Gris, Marcel Duchamp and Robert Delaunay were causing a stir in the Paris art world. Chagall’s popularity began to spread beyond La Ruche, and in May 1914 he traveled to Berlin to help organize his first solo exhibition, at Der Sturm Gallery. Chagall remained in the city until the highly acclaimed show opened that June. He then returned to Vitebsk, unaware of the fateful events to come.
War, Peace and Revolution
In August 1914 the outbreak of World War I precluded Chagall’s plans to return to Paris. The conflict did little to stem the flow of his creative output, however, instead merely giving him direct access to the childhood scenes so essential to his work, as seen in paintings such as Jew in Green (1914) and Over Vitebsk (1914). His paintings from this period also occasionally featured images of the war’s impact on the region, as with Wounded Soldier (1914) and Marching (1915). But despite the hardships of life during wartime, this would also prove to be a joyful period for Chagall. In July 1915 he married Bella, and she gave birth to a daughter, Ida, the following year. Their appearance in works such as Birthday (1915), Bella and Ida by the Window (1917) and several of his “Lovers” paintings give a glimpse of the island of domestic bliss that was Chagall’s amidst the chaos.
To avoid military service and stay with his new family, Chagall took a position as a clerk in the Ministry of War Economy in St. Petersburg. While there he began work on his autobiography and also immersed himself in the local art scene, befriending novelist Boris Pasternak, among others. He also exhibited his work in the city and soon gained considerable recognition. That notoriety would prove important in the aftermath of the 1917 Russian Revolution when he was appointed as the Commissar of Fine Arts in Vitebsk. In his new post, Chagall undertook various projects in the region, including the 1919 founding of the Academy of the Arts. Despite these endeavors, differences among his colleagues eventually disillusioned Chagall. In 1920 he relinquished his position and moved his family to Moscow, the post-revolution capital of Russia.
In Moscow, Chagall was soon commissioned to create sets and costumes for various productions at the Moscow State Yiddish Theater, where he would paint a series of murals titled Introduction to the Jewish Theater as well. In 1921, Chagall also found work as a teacher at a school for war orphans. By 1922, however, Chagall found that his art had fallen out of favor, and seeking new horizons he left Russia for good.
Flight
After a brief stay in Berlin, where he unsuccessfully sought to recover the work exhibited at Der Sturm before the war, Chagall moved his family to Paris in September 1923. Shortly after their arrival, he was commissioned by art dealer and publisher Ambroise Vollard to produce a series of etchings for a new edition of Nikolai Gogol's 1842 novel Dead Souls. Two years later Chagall began work on an illustrated edition of Jean de la Fontaine’s Fables, and in 1930 he created etchings for an illustrated edition of the Old Testament, for which he traveled to Palestine to conduct research.
Chagall’s work during this period brought him new success as an artist and enabled him to travel throughout Europe in the 1930s. He also published his autobiography, My Life (1931), and in 1933 received a retrospective at the Kunsthalle in Basel, Switzerland. But at the same time that Chagall’s popularity was spreading, so, too, was the threat of Fascism and Nazism. Singled out during the cultural "cleansing" undertaken by the Nazis in Germany, Chagall’s work was ordered removed from museums throughout the country. Several pieces were subsequently burned, and others were featured in a 1937 exhibition of “degenerate art” held in Munich. Chagall’s angst regarding these troubling events and the persecution of Jews in general can be seen in his 1938 painting White Crucifixion.
With the eruption of World War II, Chagall and his family moved to the Loire region before moving farther south to Marseilles following the invasion of France. They found a more certain refuge when, in 1941, Chagall’s name was added by the director of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City to a list of artists and intellectuals deemed most at risk from the Nazis’ anti-Jewish campaign. Chagall and his family would be among the more than 2,000 who received visas and escaped this way.
Haunted Harbors
Arriving in New York City in June 1941, Chagall discovered that he was already a well-known artist there and, despite a language barrier, soon became a part of the exiled European artist community. The following year he was commissioned by choreographer Léonide Massine to design sets and costumes for the ballet Aleko, based on Alexander Pushkin’s “The Gypsies” and set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
But even as he settled into the safety of his temporary home, Chagall’s thoughts were frequently consumed by the fate befalling the Jews of Europe and the destruction of Russia, as paintings such as The Yellow Crucifixion...
Category
1960s Surrealist Switzerland
Materials
Lithograph