Marc Chagall: Original Lithograph "Homage" Lovers and Painter, 1968

 

Chagall chose a small countryside village as the setting for this tender love scene. The villagers watch a painter at work. Chagall, who mostly portrayed himself with curly hair, has probably portrayed himself twice in this work: as a well-known artist attracting public interest and as an affectionate lover and admirer of women - most of all, his first wife Bella. Chagall has put this very private scene at the rightmost end of the picture. It is taking place separated from the commotion surrounding his person.

 

Julien Cain, to whom this work is dedicated, was a close friend and artistic companion of Chagall’s for many years. He wrote, among other things, two of the six volumes comprising the catalogue raisonné of Chagall’s graphic work.