Marc Chagall (1887-1985)

Cirque (Cramer 68)

The book, 1967, comprising 38 lithographs, 23 printed in colours, with title-page, text and justification, this copy signed in pencil, numbered 144 from the edition of 250, printed by Atelier Mourlot, published by Tériade Éditeur, Paris, on Arches paper, the full sheets loose with the tissue guards in the original glassine paper wrappers and linen covered boards and slipcase, overall size 450 x 350mm (17 ¾ x 13 ¾ in)

⁂ One of the most important livre d'artiste of the 20th century.

"A circus is disturbing. It is profound. A timeless dancing game where tears and smiles, the play of arms and legs take the form of a great art" wrote Chagall in 1966. His deep fascination with the circus began in his childhood in Vitebsk, Russia, where travelling acrobats and showmen entertained crowds at local village fairs. Later, the artist's dealer and print publisher Ambroise Vollard, also a circus lover, allowed Chagall to use his box at the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris and suggested he produce a suite of paintings about the subject. It then took almost 40 years for Chagall to produce this book using the earlier gouaches as the basis for the stunning lithographs, published by Tériade Éditions with accompanying text written by Chagall himself. The plates in their typically vibrant colours perfectly capture the wonder and spectacle of the occasion and one can feel the energy of the performers and hear the noise and gasps of the audience. A thrilling and truly personal production.