Marc Chagall (1887–1985) “Le Satyre et le Passant” from Les Fables de La Fontaine Etching with hand colouring, Edition 19/85 An original colour etching by Marc Chagall from the celebrated Les Fables de La Fontaine series, created circa 1927–1930. This example is numbered 19/85 and printed on BFK Rives paper, with the signature in the plate (lower left). This is one of a rare edition of just 85 impressions that were hand-coloured by Chagall himself, making it a particularly desirable and collectible example from the series. The delicate application of colour enhances the expressive, cross-hatched etching beneath, bringing warmth and depth to the composition. The Fables de La Fontaine etchings were commissioned by the renowned dealer Ambroise Vollard. His decision to select Chagall—then considered a “romantic” and highly individual artist—to illustrate this cornerstone of classical French literature caused considerable debate at the time, even reaching the Chamber of Deputies. Vollard famously justified his choice by noting that Chagall’s aesthetic was, “at once sound and delicate, realistic and fantastic,” qualities that resonate strongly with La Fontaine’s writing. Today, the series is widely regarded as one of the great illustrated suites of the 20th century, combining technical mastery with Chagall’s unique poetic vision. The composition exemplifies Chagall’s distinctive style—mythical, expressive and dreamlike—rendered through dynamic line work and rich tonal contrast, brought to life by the artist’s own hand-applied colour. Plate size: 29 x 24 cm Sheet size: 38.8 x 30 cm Frame size: 43.5 x 37cm A highly collectible and visually striking work from one of Chagall’s most important print series. Frame is shown for illustrative purposes only and not included in the sale.