Circus Pirouette, 1961: Marc Chagall
A World Imagined: Original Prints & Ceramics by Picasso, Chagall, Miró & Braque
Original colour lithograph of a reclining circus performer on a large green horse surrounded by acrobats, musicians and spectators by Marc Chagall, signed and numbered Roman numeral trial proof, 1961
Marc Chagall (1887–1985)
Circus Pirouette, 1961
Original colour lithograph on Arches wove paper, 1961
Signed in pencil and numbered VI/XX
Printed by Mourlot, Paris (1961)
Catalogue raisonné: Mourlot 306
Few subjects occupied Marc Chagall's imagination as completely as the circus. Throughout his career he returned to its performers, musicians, horses and acrobats, seeing in the circus a poetic world where imagination eclipses reality. Rather than depicting a specific performance, Chagall created dreamlike compositions in which gravity dissolves, animals become companions to people, and colour carries as much emotional meaning as narrative.
Circus Pirouette is one of the most celebrated lithographs from this remarkable series. A graceful female performer reclines across a monumental green horse while musicians, acrobats and spectators animate the surrounding space. The composition unfolds like a theatrical performance, yet remains unmistakably Chagall: lyrical, playful and filled with symbolic associations.
Printed by the renowned Mourlot atelier in Paris in 1961, this original colour lithograph is signed by the artist and printed on Arches wove paper. This impression is one of twenty Roman numeral proofs (VI/XX), issued in addition to the regular edition of fifty. Its ambitious scale, vibrant colour and rarity place it among the most desirable lithographs from Chagall's celebrated Circus series.
Reference: Fernand Mourlot, Chagall Lithographe II: 1957–1962, no. 306.
Framed with Conservation Mat, Archival Foamboard and Museum Glass
Size 88cm x 106cm (Framed)
$26,500