Marc Chagall

Private Collection, Japan

The surface is intact with strong, original impasto in the white flowers. Under ultra-violet light, there is no evidence of retouching. Very good condition. Colors: The colors are much more vibrant than they appear in the catalogue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Throughout his career, Marc Chagall consistently turned to flower paintings not as rigorous studies in realism, but rather as expressive evocations of fantasy in their conflation of still-life, narrative motifs, and landscape.  Like Henri Matisse, Chagall resided in Southern France from 1950-1973 and sought to capture its splendor and luminosity by experimenting with bold colors and unstructured compositions.  According to Chagall's biographer Franz Meyer, "The light, the vegetation, the rhythm of life all contributed to the rise of a more relaxed airy, sensuous style in which the magic of colour dominates more and more with the passing years.  At Vence he witnessed the daily miracle of growth and blossoming in the mild, strong all-pervading light – an experience in which earth and matter had their place" (Franz Meyer, Marc Chagall, London, 1964, p. 519). 

At this time in Chagall's career he enjoyed much international success and recognition and was living in the hilly countryside of Saint-Paul-de Vence with his wife Vava.  Le Bouquet de Lilium au bord de la mer represents the artist's tranquil disposition and the beauty that he found in his surroundings and offers insight into his personal history.  The flowers of the bouquet are magnificently oversized compared to the other figures, which imparts to the viewer a sense of abundance and whimsy, while the thickly painted electric colors of red, pink, and yellow of the petals gives the work a brilliant energy.  Chagall continues using these bold colors throughout the landscape, in the glorious orb of the personified sun and the vibrant hillside off in the distance.