NEWS

Marc Chagall　Daphnis and Chloé　1961　42 colour lithographs for the illustrated book

Daphnis and Chloé is one of Chagall's most celebrated illustrated books, created over a period of nearly ten years. Through 42 colour lithographs, the artist brings to life the ancient Greek love story of two young shepherds.

The original text, written around the 3rd century by the author Longus, is a pastoral novel that tells the story of two children abandoned in infancy who grow up together in harmony with nature and gradually awaken to love.

The book was published by the influential 20th-century publisher Tériade and printed at the renowned Atelier Mourlot in Paris. Tériade, who was born on the Greek island of Lesbos—the setting of the story—invited his friend Marc Chagall to illustrate the novel.

In preparation for the project, Chagall travelled to Greece, where the light and colours of the landscape provided him with profound inspiration.

Rich in love, poetry, and colour, Daphnis and Chloé is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Chagall's graphic art.