Marc Chagall (1887-1985) - Le Philosophe Vindicatif

Heliogravure on Velin paper from Papeteries du Marais; 35 x 25 cm, with a passe-partout window measuring 50 x 40 cm.
Publisher: Verve (Tériade): produced at Atelier Draeger Freres.

This special edition of the French art magazine Verve from 1950, titled Contes de Boccace (Tales of Boccaccio), is an exceptionally valuable example of the masterful synthesis of modern art and classical literature achieved by Marc Chagall. Volume VI contains Chagall's authorial interpretation of selected passages from the famous Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio. Chagall created 26 full-page, black-and-white lithographs for this purpose.
These lithographs were made using the lavis technique, meaning the artist used diluted ink applied with a brush to achieve soft gradations of gray and dynamic chiaroscuro. These hand-penciled drawings were then produced using the advanced heliogravure method.
Atelier Draeger Frères, the only workshop to master the heliogravure technique essential for faithfully conveying the subtle tonal gradations and the original ink washes of Chagall, did so with exceptional skill.
Chagall’s modern, dreamlike vision is juxtaposed with the historical, colorful illustrations from miniatures drawn from the 15th-century illuminated manuscript of the Decameron. Some of the illustrations were executed in chromolithography.

Verve was a collectors’ magazine, known for the high quality of its original lithographs and heliogravures by renowned artists (Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Leger, Miró); its print runs were limited and small, contributing to its exclusivity and high collectible value. This edition is regarded as one of the most important and beautiful projects in the artist’s post-war graphic work, presenting a compelling dialogue between eras and styles.

The bindings visible in the visuals are for display purposes and do not constitute a sales offer.