Marc Chagall

Solomon Fine Art, New York
Private Collection, France
Acquired from the above by the present owner

The panel is sound. There appear to be no signs of retouching visible under UV light. There is a small fleck of paint loss towards the left edge visible in the catalogue. This work is in good overall condition. Colours: Fairly accurate in the printed catalogue.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The theme of the circus was repeatedly depicted by Chagall throughout his long career. Growing up in the Russian town of Vitebsk, he was accustomed to seeing street performers and acrobats: memories that were transformed into some of his most iconic and energetic works. The circus theme gave Chagall the opportunity to explore some of his most profound themes, such as loss, fantasy, and escapism.

In the present work, the young lovers dominate the composition, perched on the back of a red horse and floating through space. A reference to Chagall's deceased wife Bella, the couple represent his lost youth and prematurely departed love. She glows with happiness, wearing bright yellow which contrasts beautifully with his dark blue clothing and the red of the horse on which they ride. Their joy has quite literally made them take off, as they float upwards in a daze of contented bliss.

The presence of the self-playing cello, whose body doubles as the player, further adds to the scene's energy and joviality, and is testament to Chagall's love of music, and his learning of the violin as a child. The seating within the circus tent frames the composition in both corners with the audience painted in a floral cacophony of colour. L'écuyère en jaune invites us to join in with the joy of the couple, and experience the music and escapist nature of the circus.