Eve Cursed by God, 1960: Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall (1887–1985)

Eve Cursed by God (French: Ève encourt le déplaisir de Dieu; also published as Eve Incurs God's Displeasure), 1960

Original colour lithograph on wove paper

Published by Éditions de la Revue Verve (Vol. X, Nos. 37–38), Tériade, Paris

Printed by Mourlot, Paris (1960)

Catalogue raisonné: Mourlot 236 recto; Mourlot 259 verso

Created in 1960 for Dessins pour La Bible, the double issue (Vol. X, Nos. 37–38) of Verve published by Tériade in Paris, Eve Cursed by God (French: Ève encourt le déplaisir de Dieu; also published as Eve Incurs God's Displeasure) is one of twelve original colour lithographs illustrating the Book of Genesis. The composition depicts the moment following the Fall, with Eve seated beneath the outstretched hand and face of God, transforming one of the Bible's defining narratives into a scene of quiet reflection rather than dramatic judgement.

Rather than illustrating the story literally, Chagall distils it into a powerful arrangement of colour, line and gesture. Eve's luminous figure contrasts with the muted tones surrounding her, while the green visage of God emerges from above with an authority that is both commanding yet calm. The composition achieves its emotional impact through simplicity, inviting contemplation rather than prescribing interpretation.

Biblical subjects occupied Chagall throughout much of his career, providing the inspiration for some of his most celebrated paintings, stained glass and prints. His approach was never intended as straightforward illustration but as a poetic reimagining of familiar stories, filtered through memory, faith and imagination. In this work, the biblical narrative becomes deeply personal, expressed through the artist's distinctive visual language.

As issued, the sheet also bears an original monochrome Mourlot lithograph (Mourlot 259) printed on the reverse, reflecting the innovative publishing format of Verve, in which original lithographs were incorporated directly into the publication rather than reproduced mechanically. The work therefore survives exactly as intended when first published in Paris in 1960.

Reference: Fernand Mourlot, Chagall Lithographe II: 1957–1962, Mourlot 236 recto; Mourlot 259 verso.

Framed with Conservation Mat, Acid-free Foamboard and UV70 Art Glass

Size 48cm x 57cm (Framed)