Chagall painting sold at auction for almost six million dollars (4 photos)

Several paintings by Marc Chagall were sold this week during the evening auctions of contemporary art at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. One of them went under the hammer for almost 3.5 million dollars, another for almost six million.





In particular, “The Joy of the Circus,” which the native of Belarus completed two years before his death in 1983, was sold for 3.438 million dollars. At that time, he was 98 years old and lived in the French commune of Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the Cote d'Azur. The painting was valued at $1.8-2.5 million at auction.

The description says that at that time Chagall was in a state of complete peace, reflecting on his long and successful career. The canvases of this period are filled with dreaminess and joy, with expressive, dancing brushstrokes. In the painting "The Joy of the Circus" the spots of color seem to be illuminated by theatrical spotlights, which enhances the sense of spectacle and performance in the arena.



Meanwhile, another epic painting by Marc Chagall, Autour de Vence (Vence Outskirts), was sold for 5.979 million; it was estimated at three to five million. It was painted between 1955 and 1957, and is a monumental reflection on life, love, creativity, and inspiration.

Also at Christie's auction, his painting La Mer ("The Sea") was sold for 945 thousand dollars. It was painted in 1945.

At Sotheby's auction, Chagall's painting Le Baou de Saint-Jeannet ("Baou de Saint-Jean") found a new owner. This is the name of the mountain of the same name in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The artist painted this work in 1969.