Paris L'Opéra le plafond de Chagall (detail) Roméo et Juliette

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Large-format original color lithograph by Marc Chagall (after the Opéra ceiling), lithographically interpreted and engraved by Charles Sorlier (D'après Marc Chagall – Ch. Sorlier Grav.), printed by Mourlot, Paris, 1964. Hand-signed by Chagall in pencil lower right, with a later occasional signature (1970). Sheet: 99 × 63.2 cm (39 × 25 inches). A monumental and rare signed impression of one of the most celebrated images in 20th-century French cultural life. 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 large-format original color lithograph depicts a detail of Chagall's celebrated ceiling painting for the Paris Opéra — the Palais Garnier — commissioned by André Malraux and completed in 1964. The ceiling, comprising 220 square metres of painted canvas divided into five colour zones, pays homage to the great composers Mozart, Wagner, Berlioz, Rameau, and Debussy, and was unveiled to wide acclaim. The scene depicted here — 'Roméo et Juliette' — is among the most lyrical passages of the ceiling, showing lovers entwined in Chagall's signature floating reverie. The lithograph was produced in 1964 by Mourlot, Paris, and lithographically interpreted and engraved by Charles Sorlier — Mourlot's chief lithographer and Chagall's most trusted technical collaborator — as indicated by the imprint 'D'après Marc Chagall – Ch. Sorlier Grav.' The sheet bears a hand signature by Chagall in pencil in the lower right corner, added as an occasional signature (Gelegenheitssignatur) in 1970 — not a signed numbered edition, but a personal autograph applied directly to this impression. Such signed copies of the Opéra poster are rare and significantly more sought after than unsigned examples. The sheet edges show minor signs of wear consistent with display; colors are fresh and the image is in excellent condition. Hand-signed by Chagall in pencil lower right (occasional signature, 1970). The sheet edges show minor signs of wear consistent with handling and display. Colors vivid and fresh. Image in excellent condition.

Marc Chagall – Paris L'Opéra, Le Plafond de Chagall · Original Color Lithograph, Hand-Signed 1970 · Mourlot, Paris 1964

Sorlier 96