Chagall: A Retrospective

New York: Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc, 1985. Hardcover. vg. Sm. folio. 374pp. Gold-stamped blue cloth in original color illustrated dust jacket. B/w frontispiece of the last photograph of Chagall, taken in 1985. "This comprehensive and incisive exploration of one of the greatest and most beloved artists of this century brings together the writings and art critics, the reminiscences of family, friends, and colleagues, and Chagall's own words to create a striking portrait of an artist who delighted the world with his unique brand of creativity. Chagall: A Retrospective traces the artist's personal and artistic development from his humble beginnings in the Russian town of Vitebsk to his continuing contributions to world art at the time of his death at the age of ninety-seven. Chagall's impact on the development of modern art from his student days in Russia; his initial support and later conflict with the avant-garde movement in his native land during the early Soviet period; his first years in Paris in the early part of the century and his return to Paris after World War I; his life in New York City during and after World War II; and his numerous other travels and accomplishments are chronicled here through skillfully excerpted pieces from critical sources. Chagall's own memoirs as well as interviews, letters, reviews, and contributions by important figures including his wife Bella, André Breton, Guillaume Apollinaire, Louis Aragon, André Malraux, Pierre Schneider, John Russell and others reveal that Chagall was not only widely admired as an artist, but also cherished as a colleague and friend." Profusely illustrated with over 250 photographic color and b/w reproductions of Chagall's paintings, gouaches, drawings, tapestries, sculptures, stained glass, ceramics, stage designs and costumes, mosaics and graphic work. Bottom edge on front board bumped. Tiny dent on front cover. Head and tail slightly bumped. Minor creasing and scuffing on dj, otherwise a tight copy with binding and dj in good+, interior in near fine condition.