Le Fond Jaune (the yellow background)

Article description

Original color lithograph by Marc Chagall, from Original Lithograph, 1969. Published by Mourlot, Paris, 1969. Printed by Mourlot, Paris. Sheet: 75 x 56 cm (29.5 x 22 inches). A luminous evocation of Chagall's beloved France, from one of the 20th century's greatest colorists. Marc Chagall (7 July 1887 – 28 March 1985) was one of the most celebrated and beloved artists of the 20th century. Born Marc Zakharovich Shagal in Vitebsk, Belarus (then part of the Russian Empire), he trained in Saint Petersburg before moving to Paris in 1910, where he became part of the vibrant avant-garde of Montparnasse. Drawing on Jewish folk tradition, Russian culture, and the imagery of his Belarusian childhood, Chagall developed a uniquely dreamlike visual language infused with lovers floating above villages, fiddlers on rooftops, animals, angels, and mystical biblical scenes. Associated with Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism—yet belonging to none—he was the quintessential 'School of Paris' master. His monumental stained-glass windows, ceiling paintings (including the Paris Opéra), and tapestries brought his vision to public spaces worldwide. Chagall's work is held at MoMA in New York, the Tate in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Guggenheim, and the Musée National Marc Chagall in Nice—inaugurated in 1973 and dedicated to his biblical message cycle. He remains one of the most sought-after names in 20th-century prints, with original lithographs consistently coveted by collectors worldwide. This original color lithograph was produced during Chagall's most prolific printmaking period, printed at the celebrated Mourlot studio in Paris under the supervision of master lithographer Fernand Mourlot. The Mourlot studio was Chagall's primary printmaking partner from 1950 onwards, and its impeccable technical standards ensured that each impression faithfully conveyed the luminosity and color of the original stone drawings. Poster for the exhibition of Marc Chagall (1887-1985) at the Galerie Maeght in Paris (December 1969 to January 1970). This color lithograph "Le Fond Jaune" was printed by the Mourlot studios in Paris, also marked at the lower right bottom of the sheet. Chagall's images of Paris, the Côte d'Azur, and the South of France reflect his deep love for his adopted homeland. From the rooftops of Montparnasse to the luminous bays of Nice and Vence, these lithographs capture a France bathed in the artist's signature warm light and poetic fantasy. In very good condition consistent with age (published 1969). Colors well-preserved and vivid. No tears or significant foxing.

Marc Chagall – Le Fond Jaune (the yellow background) · Original Color Lithograph · Mourlot, Paris · 1969

Mourlot 602; Charles Sorlier, Les affices de Chagall p. 57