Marc Chagall (1887-1985) - Five Original Recto-Verso Biblical Heliogravures with Hand-Coloured Example

Offered is a collection of five original double-sided heliogravure sheets after Marc Chagall, published by the renowned art publisher Tériade and printed by Atelier Mourlot, Paris.

The sheets originate from Chagall’s celebrated Biblical imagery, one of the most important themes throughout his artistic career. The compositions depict scenes and figures from the Old Testament, including prophets, shepherds, fish, animals, angels and visionary landscapes rendered in Chagall’s unmistakable poetic and dreamlike style.

Each sheet is printed on both sides as originally issued, preserving the relationship between recto and verso. Surviving examples are frequently separated for framing, making intact double-sided sheets increasingly difficult to find.

The group includes:

* Prophet overlooking a city beneath a darkened sun (page 80)
* Shepherd with flock (page 81)
* Standing figure beside a stone tablet (page 82)
* Embracing figures before a village (page 84)
* Prophet with raised arms before a group of figures (page 92)

One sheet depicting a large fish has been subsequently hand-coloured in watercolour by an unknown artist. The colouring is executed with notable sensitivity and strongly recalls the vibrant palette commonly associated with Chagall’s work. While not attributable to Chagall himself, it transforms the print into a unique object and creates a striking visual contrast with the monochrome sheets.

The reverse sides contain additional original Chagall compositions, making each sheet an artwork on both sides.

About Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall is considered one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. Drawing from Jewish tradition, biblical narratives, folklore and personal memory, he developed a highly distinctive visual language populated by floating figures, animals, lovers, musicians and angels. His Biblical imagery, created over several decades, remains among the most celebrated and influential interpretations of scripture in modern art.

Publication

* Publisher: Tériade, Paris
* Printer: Atelier Mourlot, Paris
* Medium: Heliogravure on paper
* Edition: Unsigned published edition
* Printed recto and verso
* Pages 79–92 from a larger publication

Condition

Good vintage condition overall.

The sheets show expected age-related wear, including light toning, occasional foxing, minor edge wear and handling marks. The hand-coloured sheet displays vivid colours and presents particularly well. Overall, the group has been carefully preserved and remains highly decorative.

Provenance

Private collection, Southern Netherlands.

A larger group from the same collection is available.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to describe the lot accurately and to the best of our knowledge. Photographs form an integral part of the description and should be carefully reviewed by prospective buyers.

As vintage paper objects, minor imperfections such as discoloration, foxing, creases, edge wear or other signs of age may be present. Colours may vary slightly due to photography, lighting conditions and individual screen settings.

The lot is sold in its present condition (“as is”).