Details
AFTER MARC CHAGALL (1887-1985)
BY CHARLES SORLIER (1921-1990)
Twelve Maquettes of Stained Glass Windows for Jerusalem
the complete set of twelve lithographs in colors, on Arches paper, 1964, each signed in pencil and numbered 'XXVII/LXXV' (there was also an edition of 150 sets in Arabic numerals and ten artist’s proof sets), published by Mourlot, Paris, each with the letterpress text inscription on the reverse, each with full margins
Each Image: 2414 x 1818 in. (616 x 460 mm.)
Each Sheet: 2938 x 2034 in. (743 x 525 mm.)
Literature
Sorlier 12-23
FURTHER DETAILS
Including: The Tribe of Ruben (S. 12), The Tribe of Simeon (S. 13), The Tribe of Levi (S. 14), The Tribe of Judah (S. 15), The Tribe of Zebulun (S. 16), The Tribe of Issachar (S. 17), The Tribe of Dan (S. 18), The Tribe of Gad (S. 19), The Tribe of Asher (S. 20), The Tribe of Naphtali (S. 21), The Tribe of Joseph (S. 22), and The Tribe of Benjamin (S. 23).
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Lot Essay

These lithographs represent the stained glass windows that illuminate the Synagogue of the Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem, depicting the Twelve Sons of Jacob. The windows took two years to complete and were unveiled at a ceremony attended by Chagall in 1962.

'This is my modest gift to the Jewish people who have always dreamt of biblical love, friendship and of peace among all peoples. This is my gift to that people which lived here thousands of years ago among the other Semitic people.' (Marc Chagall, 6 February 1962)

The windows were significant to Chagall, who wanted to illustrate his sympathy and understanding for his fellow Jewish people and their turbulent history. The Bible was a powerful and lasting influence on Chagall’s work and this set was inspired by Jacob blessing his twelve sons (Genesis 49) and Moses blessing the Twelve Tribes (Deuteronomy 33). Each window and subsequent lithograph was designed with a dominant color inspired by the gems which adorned the breastplate of the High Priest according to Exodus 28:15.

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