Chagall, Marc - Longus. Daphnis et Chloé. 2 volumes. With 42 (16 double-page) original color lithographs by Marc Chagall. Paris, Tériade, 1961. gr. folio (43.5 × 34 cm). [10] ll., 74 p., [12] ll.; [6] ll., 75 p., [11] ll. Layers and plates loosely laid in original cardboard covers (lightly browned), together in 2 original half-linen folders with gilt spine titles and volume numbers (faintly bumped, vol. 1 front joint minimally chipped), the damaged slipcases present in individual segments. Cramer 46 - Mourlot 308-349 - Garvey, p. 44. - One of 250 numbered copies on vélin arches, signed by the artist in the printer's note (total edition 270). - Complete. - This lithographic book illustration of Daphnis & Chloé is one of Chagall's major works, imaginatively illustrating the story of the ancient lovers with his masterful use of color and motifs. In 1952, Chagall received a request from Tériade for a series of lithographs retelling the story of Daphnis and Chloé by the Greek poet Longus. Chagall had just married his second wife, Valentina Brodsky, and consequently took up the love story. The 42 colour lithographs included were created over a period of 9 years. Chagall was inspired by various destinations on his honeymoon in Delphi, Athens and Poros. - The colour lithographs printed by Mourlot, Paris. - Slightly browned in the margins, the lithographs in extremely fresh condition.