Marc Chagall
Russia, active France
1887- 1985

Ceiling of the Paris Opera: Frontispiece, 1965
Lithograph
12 5/8 x 9 1/2 in.
Sweeney Art Gallery Permanent Collection
Gift of Henry W. Coil, Jr.
96.1.163

Marc Chagall was born in Vitebsk Russia to a large, deeply religious, Jewish family. He would remain devoted to the Jewish religion and traditions throughout his career. Chagall's affinity for Jewish traditions would recur frequently in his work. He attended art school in St. Petersburg and went on to Paris to pursue his art career in 1910. Then aligned with the Expressionists, Chagall was influenced by Honore Daumier and Jean-Francois Millet, as well as the Fauves and Cubists. He was known throughout his career as a colorist; color was a fundamental aspect of his work. His very personal and individual subject matter was taken from the bible, Yiddish folklore, folk tales and Russian village life. He worked in various media throughout his artistic career including etching, drypoint, aquatint, lithography, ceramics, and stained glass.

In the 1960s Chagall created a new ceiling for the Paris Opera House, from which the above illustration is taken. Marc Chagall was one of the few artists to exhibit at the Louvre in their lifetime.

© UC Regents and the artist.