Les Amoureux sous L'Arbre. Lovers under a Tree by Marc Chagall, 1887-1985

Marc Chagall, 1887-1985
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Les Amoureux sous L'Arbre. Lovers under a Tree

Original brush-drawn aquatint in black ink. 1967. Signed in pencil. Inscribed by Chagall as 'Bon a Tirer' - the unique 'guide proof' for the edition. Edition of 35 impressions only. Printed at the studio of Lacourière. Published by Cramer, Geneva 1965. Rare.
Ref: Gallery Cramer publications no 15.

Excellent impression with very subtle tonal variations. On pale cream wove Rives paper. Excellent condition. Full margins, as printed. Sheet: 9 5/8 x 14 3/4ins. Plate: 7 3/8 x 9 3/4ins (188x248mm)

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Chagall?s prints drawn in black ink in brush aquatint are one of the least well-known aspects of his art. He had first become interested in the medium in the 1940?s but used in conjunction with etched line-work. In 1965 he started to experiment again with images drawn purely with the brush. He discovered that he could capture marvellous qualities of soft light and shade together with blending forms which would create an atmosphere which echoed the themes of his images.

As in Les Amoureux sous l?Arbre the themes of the compositions are those which he was using in his work in other media, but the nature of the medium, with its softly blending and varied tonality as well its inherent texture, resulted in works which are unique in feeling. They are a beautiful and poetic expression of Chagall?s art at this date.

One of the reasons that the aquatints of this period are so seldom seen is that he only printed very small editions, mostly just 35 or so impressions, as is the case here. The impression above is the unique guide proof for the edition and is inscribed as the ?Bon a Tirer?.