Marc Chagall (French/Russian, 1887-1985). Esquisse pour "Les fiancés à l'oiseau" (Le mariage), circa 1960. Pastel, oil, ...

Description

Marc Chagall (French/Russian, 1887-1985)
Esquisse pour "Les fiancés à l'oiseau" (Le mariage), circa 1960
Pastel, oil, India ink, and pencil on paper
15-3/4 x 10-7/8 inches (40.0 x 27.6 cm) (sheet)
Signed lower right: Marc Chagall

PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Metairie, Louisiana;
Private collection;
Private collection, Washington, D.C., acquired circa 2006.

This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Comité Marc Chagall, no. 2021020, dated April 12, 2021.

Many of Chagall's figural works center on one of his most enduring and endearing themes, couples consumed by love, a result of his own undying love for his first wife, Bella. After marrying in 1915, they remained inseparable under her untimely death in 1944. Despite later remarrying in 1950, Chagall's love for Bella remained immutable and undiminished by his simultaneous affections for his second wife, Vava. Kept alive in his work, Bella's memory served as inspiration for all of his "brides", including the figure in the present work.

Here we see Chagall's passion expressed urgently - his feelings rapidly scratched and flicked onto the paper in a flurry of emotion. His use of ink, pastel, and pencil, media that lend themselves to quick work, injects the composition with a sense of immediacy, a rush to capture a fleeting, beautiful memory of his beloved before it flies away like his figures.

This haste was present throughout their courtship, as the two met by happenstance through a mutual friend, and it was love at first sight:

"I dare not raise my eyes and meet his gaze. His eyes are now greenish-grey, the colors of the sky and water. I'm swimming in them, like in a river." - Bella Rosenfeld

"She looks - oh, her eyes! ...Big, high, black! These are my eyes, my soul." - Marc Chagall


More information about Marc Chagall. See also: Chagall, Marc, Shagal, Mark, Shagal, Mark Zakharovich, Shagal, Moses Artist.



*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.