Ruth and Boaz. Boaz Awakes and Sees Ruth at his Feet. by Marc Chagall, 1887-1985

Marc Chagall, 1887-1985
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Ruth and Boaz. Boaz Awakes and Sees Ruth at his Feet.

Original lithograph in colours. 1958-59. Signed in pencil.Inscribed in pencil as 'Epreuve d'Artiste' - Artist's Proof. Proof before the edition of 50 impressions printed on the hand-press. Drawn at the studio of Mourlot, Paris 1958-59. Issued in the series: 'Drawings for the Bible'. Published by Verve, Paris 1960. (There was also an unsigned edition for the Verve Bible album).
Ref: Mourlot - Chagall Lithographs no 249

Excellent impression with fine fresh colours. On pale cream wove Arches paper. Excellent condition. Full margins. Image overall: 14 1/8 x 10 1/2ins. (360x266mm)

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The Old Testament Bible Story was perhaps the single most important source of inspiration for Chagall?s art.. Whilst many of his works treat themes of love which are outwardly secular, at an underlying level there is the constant influence of the Bible stories and teaching. In his introduction to the catalogue for his Museum of the Bible Message in Nice Chagall wrote that two factors lay at the centre of his artistic inspiration - Love and the Bible Story. ?Ever since my earliest youth I have been fascinated by the Bible. I have always believed that it is the greatest source of poetry of all time...The Bible is an echo of nature, and this I Have endeavoured to transmit....In art everything is possible, so long as it is based on love.?

?Ruth and Boaz? was drawn by Chagall in 1958 as part of his series of studies, in both brush and wash and in lithography, on the Bible theme. He worked on the lithographs over a period of some years, issuing a first series in 1956 and the concluding series, of which Ruth and Boaz is part, in 1960 under the title ?Drawings for the Bible?.

The combination of the sensuous flowing lines from which the forms are created, the soft but glowing colour, and the marvellous counterpoint of the brilliantly inventive handling of the pictorial composition, so typical of the most individual and creative aspect of his art, make Ruth and Boaz one of Chagall?s most beautiful studies on an overt Bible theme.