Marc Chagall - Rare Original Vintage French Romeo and Juliette William Shakespeare Lithographic Travel France

Here is a beautiful and rare original vintage travel poster advertising travel to France published by the French Government and the General Committee for Tourism to promote travel to Paris to visit the Opera Garnier and admire the Great Hall ceiling fresco decorated by the notable artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985): L'Opera Le Plafond de Chagall (detail), unveiled in 1964.

Marc Chagall Romeo and Juliette (Romeo and Juliet), 1964 is particularly remarkable superb colour quality. Combining images of Paris, the figures of Romeo and Juliet and signature elements such as the horse and bouquet of flowers, Chagall captures a sense of romance and history. The great monuments of Paris function as a backdrop for the timeless love of Romeo and Juliet seen floating through the sky. The lovers appear again encircled by the light of the moon in the upper right-hand corner, possibly symbolizing their eternal unity and undying love.

The decoration for the ceiling of the Paris Opera painting by Chagall was commissioned by André Malraux, then the Cabinet Minister in charge of the Cultural Affairs.

The artist hesitated for a long time before finally accepting the assignment. When he went to work, he started by executing a number of small sketches before he created two large dummies, which he submitted to André Malraux so that he could select one. Thus once again Chagall demonstrated the humility and integrity which were characteristic of the man and a hallmark of all the work which he undertook.

Chagall worked from January to July, 1964, to complete this painting. The opening ceremony for the new ceiling of the Opera was arranged under the supervision of André Malraux and took place on the evening of September 23, 1964. The entire corps de ballet participated in the event and there was a performance of Daphnis and Chloe by Maurice Ravel, with sets and costumes by Marc Chagall. To the strains Jupiter Symphony of Mozart the ceiling was illuminated for the first time, revealing this exceptional work to the admirers of the Master. It should be noted that this masterpiece was a gift from Chagall to Paris and that he accepted absolutely no compensation for the titanic task. (Sorlier, pg. 96)

Marc Chagall Romeo and Juliette (Romeo and Juliet), 1964, created in 1964, this work was adapted from a preliminary study created by Chagall for the new ceiling of the Opera Garnier in Paris. This particular image was created as a tribute to Berlioz for his rendition of the classic, "Romeo and Juliet."
'D'Après Marc Chagall - CH. Sorlier Grav' in the lower left.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Marc Chagall Romeo and Juliet (Romeo et Juliette), 1964, is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts

1. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, Vol. V 1974-79. New York: Crown Publishers, 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. CS 10.

Lithograph in colours in excellent condition.

A guaranteed original authentic poster.

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Condition: A- very good condition, rolled, strong fresh colours, light creases to the top boarder, with one or two tiny tears

Measurements: 100 cms x 62 cms approximately.

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