Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Illustrations for the Bible (Verve Vol. VIII, nos 33 and 34)
1956
Inscribed to the recipient on the title page and signed Marc Chagall, 1971
Book containing 29 original lithographs, 17 of which are in color, and 105 heliogravures after etching by the artist
Printed by Mourlot Frères, Paris
Published by Editions de la Revue Verve, Paris
14.25 x 10.75 in / 36,2 x 27,3 cm

Provenance:
Gift from the artist
Private Collection
By descent to current owner

The Bible illustrations proved Chagall to be one of the 20th century's most important graphic artists. Commissioned to illustrate the Old Testament in 1931, Chagall traveled to present day Israel in order to draw inspiration from the Holy Land. Deeply moved by the holy spaces, landmarks, and people that surrounded him, he worked obsessively on the illustrations between 1931-1934. The series of 105 plates, however, was not completed until 1956 due to many disruptions that included the death of The Bible’s commissioner, the collapse of the French government at Nazi hands, and Chagall’s escape to America.

In referring to the The Bible illustrations, Chagall has been quoted as saying,“I did not see the Bible, I dreamed it. Ever since early childhood, I have been captivated by the Bible. It has always seemed to me and still seems today the greatest source of poetry of all time.”

Comment: Spine of book is separated, cover is taped

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