Limited color lithograph “Les Mariés” by Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall is considered one of the most important masters of the 20th century and impresses with his unique, mythical narratives. His works are strongly influenced by his religious childhood, ancient myths, and nostalgic memories. Chagall's painting is a poetic expression of a "happy vision" in contrast to everyday life. Born in Vitebsk in 1887, Chagall moved to Saint Petersburg at the age of 20, where he was inspired by European modernism. His move to Paris in 1910 brought him into contact with the avant-garde; nevertheless, he remained true to the nostalgic, poetic world of his homeland. He quickly gained recognition through an exhibition in Berlin in 1913. After several years in Vitebsk during the First World War, Chagall married Bella Rosenfeld and later returned to Paris, where he had numerous successful exhibitions, including a commission to illustrate the Bible in 1930. After fleeing to the USA in 1941 and losing his wife, he once again found inspiration in his paintings, drawing on his personal life. In the late 1940s, Chagall returned to Paris and attracted attention with his colorful works, which embodied the ideal of an apolitical world. His cycle "Daphnis and Chloé" reflects both personal and creative transformations and is considered a masterpiece of his oeuvre. Besides lithographs and book illustrations, Chagall also dedicated himself to monumental artworks, including stained glass windows for churches and ceiling paintings for opera houses worldwide. Even in his later years, he worked tirelessly on new projects until his death, though he rarely spoke about his own art.