CHAGALL, Marc (1887-1985), artist — William SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)
Lot 237

CHAGALL, Marc (1887-1985), artist — William SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)

The Tempest. Monte Carlo: André Sauret, 1975.

Closed12 July 2023

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GBP 4,032

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CHAGALL, Marc (1887-1985), artist — William SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)
The Tempest. Monte Carlo: André Sauret, 1975.
A late work by Chagall which brings to life a late work by the Bard. In this stunning edition of The Tempest (c.1610-11), Chagall interprets Shakespeare's spectacular narrative of expulsion and estrangement through the lens of his own diasporic experiences. The artist’s evocative lithographs illustrate the text, whilst also stepping beyond it; indeed, several depict scenes that are not present in the play itself. Identifying with the exiled Prospero, Chagall depicts the wizard with his own characteristic dark curls, while he fashions the compassionate Miranda after his own beloved daughter. Mourlot 846-895; Cramer books 97.

Folio (427 x 325mm). Number 209 of 270 copies, printed on Arches wove paper, text in English, signed by the artist, with fifty lithographs. Loose as issued, with original glassine wrapper and contained within vellum-covered cover box lettered in gilt on front cover; sold in the original cardboard box and outer wrapper. Provenance: labelled ‘examplaire numéro 209’ on original cardboard box by publisher.