Marc Chagall (1887-1985) - Les Sirènes

Marc Chagall – 'The Sirens' – Lithograph, Odyssey Series, 2nd Edition 1989, Vava Chagall, Edition of 2,500

Homer's Odyssey fascinated Chagall throughout his life. He traveled to Greece twice, letting himself be penetrated by the ancient mythology and the light of the Mediterranean. The illustrations to the Odyssey — originally published in 1974 by Mourlot as Catalogue Raisonné nos. 749–830 — are regarded as one of his most significant graphic late works.

'The Sirens' shows Odysseus’ crew in a rowing boat, surrounded by angelic figures and the in-between world of dream and reality that is typical for Chagall. A dove, the yellow sun, floating figures — the mythological action becomes, in Chagall's unmistakable visual language, the universal tale of longing, danger, and homecoming.

Original lithograph, 8–12 color runs, on Fabriano parchment. Sheet size ca. 37.5 × 57.5 cm, image size ca. 36 × 57 cm. Second edition 1989 under the supervision of Vava Chagall (after Mourlot 1974).

Limited to 2,500 copies, unsigned and unnumbered as published. Centerfold as in the original edition. Gold frame with mat, glazed.

Note: The sheet shows slight waviness — this can, when removing from the frame, possibly be remedied by professional treatment.