Paris, Fernand Mourlot, 1975
Complete portfolio - signed by the artist . An excellent example of Chagall's monumental illustrations for Homer's epic The Odyssey.
Chagall's style is eminently suited to the mythical scope of Homer's work, taking inspiration from world literature and folkloric imagery. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he should choose to illustrate Homer's Odyssey, the tale of the Greek hero Odysseus' 10-year journey home after the Sack of Troy. The lithographs are exceptional, with the scenes and colours carefully chosen to illustrate and accompany the joy, tragedy, beauty, and danger that Homer so eloquently describes in the text. Few other major artists of the twentieth century engaged with Homer in the way Chagall has done, and the effect is astounding.
2 vols, limited edition, number 63 of 250 copies on Arches wove paper, signed by Chagall in pencil on the justification, from a total edition of 270, folio (45.5 x 35.5 cm); half-title, title, text in French, complete set of 82 lithographs, 43 in colour including 6 double page, with tissue guards, loose as issued, publisher's printed wrappers, in original cloth backed portfolio boxes with gilt text on the front and spine, an excellent example.
Chagall's style is eminently suited to the mythical scope of Homer's work, taking inspiration from world literature and folkloric imagery. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he should choose to illustrate Homer's Odyssey, the tale of the Greek hero Odysseus' 10-year journey home after the Sack of Troy. The lithographs are exceptional, with the scenes and colours carefully chosen to illustrate and accompany the joy, tragedy, beauty, and danger that Homer so eloquently describes in the text. Few other major artists of the twentieth century engaged with Homer in the way Chagall has done, and the effect is astounding.
2 vols, limited edition, number 63 of 250 copies on Arches wove paper, signed by Chagall in pencil on the justification, from a total edition of 270, folio (45.5 x 35.5 cm); half-title, title, text in French, complete set of 82 lithographs, 43 in colour including 6 double page, with tissue guards, loose as issued, publisher's printed wrappers, in original cloth backed portfolio boxes with gilt text on the front and spine, an excellent example.
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