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Marc Chagall (French/Russian, 1887–1985)
Desire III. Variant of Les sept Péchés capitaux (The Seven Deadly Sins), 1925
• Etching and drypoint on wove paper
• Image: 4⅜ × 6⅝ in (11 × 17 cm)
• Sheet: 8¼ × 11⅛ in (21.0 × 28.3 cm)
• Printed by Louis Fort, Paris
Provenance:
• From the Collection of the Estates of Larry Saphire and Marie-Madeleine Saphire
• Heritage Auctions
Larry Saphire was a renowned art historian and print scholar, best known as the author of the catalogue raisonnés of the prints of Fernand Léger and André Masson. His distinguished collection reflected deep expertise and an exceptional sensitivity to the nuances of modern printmaking.
Description:
A rare and lyrical early etching by Marc Chagall, Desire. III belongs to the artist’s 1925 series Les sept Péchés capitaux (The Seven Deadly Sins), in which Chagall explores human folly through humor, fantasy, and tenderness. Executed in etching and drypoint, the work reveals his delicate line and expressive sensibility — both playful and introspective.
This impression is particularly desirable for its exceptionally wide margins, unlike the regular book edition printed to the text format without borders. The ample borders lend the composition an elegant balance and a refined, gallery-worthy presence.
Printed by Louis Fort in Paris, this etching embodies the whimsical and poetic spirit that defines Chagall’s most celebrated graphic works.
Literature:
• Kornfeld, No. 63 (Catalogue of the engravings, etchings and woodcuts by Marc Chagall, Vol. I: Works 1922–1966, Bern: Kornfeld und Klipstein, 1970).
• Cramer, 6.
Condition Report:
Unframed. Presents beautifully with mild toning consistent with age. Small (½") mark along lower edge, not affecting the image. Minor edge undulations. Unframed. No tears or losses observed.
