Marc Chagall, Esther, 1960, Original Lithograph

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Marc chagall

esther
from "drawings for the bible"

colour lithograph on paper
publisher: verve, paris
year: 1960
size: 355 x … Read more Marc chagall

esther
from "drawings for the bible"

colour lithograph on paper
publisher: verve, paris
year: 1960
size: 355 x 264 mm

on the back: another black and white original lithograph by marc chagall, mandatory in this edition.

very good condition: complete image (no crop, no trim), wonderful colours, a hardly perceivable bump in the corner (see image)

with gallery certificate

catalogue raisonné:
meret meyer and patrick cramer, "marc chagall, les livres illustrés", ref. # 42
charles sorlier and fernand mourlot, chagall lithographe, vol. Ii, ref. # 252
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chagall and the bible

marc chagall’s drawings for the bible, published in 1960 as a special double issue of the legendary art magazine verve, represents one of the most profound encounters between modern art and sacred text. While chagall had been obsessed with biblical themes since his 1931 trip to palestine, this specific suite allowed him to explore the narrative with a newfound technical mastery of colour lithography.

working closely with the master printer fernand mourlot, chagall created 24 vibrant color lithographs for this series. These works do not merely illustrate the old testament; they reimagine it through a dreamlike, jewish-eastern european lens. Chagall uses radiant blues, fiery reds, and golden yellows to transcend literal interpretation. The figures often float, defying gravity to suggest a spiritual reality that exists alongside the physical one.

for chagall, the bible was the "greatest source of poetry of all time." through these lithographs, he sought to make the ancient prophets and patriarchs feel human and immediate. Today, this collection is celebrated not just as a religious milestone, but as a pinnacle of 20th-century printmaking, showcasing how chagall could turn stone and ink into pure emotion.
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about this very artwork

in marc chagall’s esther (mourlot 252), the artist presents a serene and monumental portrayal of one of the most celebrated heroines of the old testament. This colour lithograph, a standout piece from his 1960 bible series, depicts esther not amidst the high drama of the persian court, but as a figure of quiet strength and ethereal beauty.

the composition is dominated by the elongated, graceful figure of esther, who stands centrally against a backdrop of soft, wash-like blues and cool greys. Her gown is rendered with delicate, minimalist detailing, and her hands are folded in a posture of humility and resolve. Below her, the smaller, sketchy figure of mordecai—her cousin and mentor—appears in a somber, thoughtful state, representing the weight of the jewish people’s plight. The background features simplified architectural forms of susa, with turrets and walls that seem to float in a dreamlike space. A faint, dotted celestial circle in the sky suggests divine guidance. Through this cool-toned palette and spacious arrangement, chagall masterfully captures the interior courage and poise of a woman prepared to risk her life to save her people from destruction. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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