5868 - Chagall & Fontaine - Pair of Etchings of Fables

Chagall & Fontaine - Pair of Etchings of Fables Description of the work: Included in this lot: The Eagle and the Dung Beetle [L'Aigle & l'Escarbot] The Eagle and the Owl [L'Aigle & le Hibou] Description of the work: This striking etching is from Marc Chagall's illustrations for Jean de la Fontaine's Fables. The work was published in Paris by Teriade in 1952. This is from publication 109 of 200 published (15 of which were hors commerce copies in Roman numerals). Chagall produced the etchings for this work between 1927 and 1931. The art was commissioned by Ambroise Vollard and first published in this work in 1952. It blends Fontaine's collection of 17th century moral tales with Chagall's distinct style. Each aquatint etching is on BFK Rives woven paper. The original text page will be included unless noted in the condition statement. A photocopy of the title page and signed justification page will be included with the purchase. Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was a Belarusian-French artist. His given name was Moishe Segal and was born in Belarus which was part of the Russian empire. His art was influenced by Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. The art critic, Robert Hughes, described Chagall as "the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century. Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695) was a French poet and fabulist. He would become a prominent author in the French canon. He collected and adapted near 240 fables from Aesop, Phaedrus, as well as Eastern, Oriental, and Continental fables. Paper Size: ~ 11 5/8" by 15 1/8" Paper Type or Special Features: Aquatint Etching Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.