[Marc CHAGALL] The Fisherman and the Little Fish

This plate illustrates the fable by Lafontaine of the same name. It shows the fisherman who has hooked the little fish. The little fish begs for its life, reasoning that it is only small, and will be a better meal later in life. The fisherman refuses, reasoning that the present advantage outweighs the uncertain future.

Etching on vellin (wove) paper.
Sheet size: 30 x 38,7 cm. Image size: 23,9 x 29,8 cm.

Separately printed graphic work, signed in the plate only. From ‘The Fables of La Fontaine’ with the illustrations by Chagall. Chagall started work on this series of etchings as early as 1927, but these would not be published before 1952 (as Vollard passed away and soon after the Second World War interfered). The edition was printed in a total of 200 portfolios. Of these 200, 40 also contained a set on Japon paper, and 85 contained a second suite with hand colouring by Chagall. Some additional sets were also printed: 15 for the contributors and 100 sets on large paper (signed and numbered) as etchings-only sets.

Made by ‘Marc Chagall’ after own design. Marc Chagall, born Moishe Zakharovich Shagal (1887-1985), was a Russian-French artist of Belarusian Jewish descent. Het was an early modernist and was active in a wide range of artistic media.

Condition: Very good, given age. Paper edges irregular and with small remains of attachment to matting on the verso. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

PCO-E3-03