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Woodcut print from 1968.
Trial proof – unique work.
Dimensions of sheet: 32.5 x 25 cm
Dimensions in frame: 53.2 x 43.2 cm
Publisher: Cramer Éditeur, Geneva.
Printer: Atelier Lacourière et Frélaut, Paris.
Reference: Cramer 74
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This rare trial proof originates from Marc Chagall’s celebrated 1968 portfolio Poèmes—a deeply personal project in which Chagall combined his own poetry with 24 vivid woodcut illustrations. Created late in his life, Poèmes is not merely a book, but a visual and literary journey through the dreamscapes, memories, and mystical themes that defined Chagall’s creative universe.
The present piece, Planche II, is a unique trial proof offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artist’s working process. Trial proofs like this were produced prior to the final edition and are exceptionally scarce, often showcasing variations in inking or composition as Chagall and the printer fine-tuned each image. As such, this work holds a singular place in the production history of Poèmes—a one-of-a-kind artifact of the creative dialogue between artist and printmaker.
Poèmes was published in a limited edition of 226 copies, but trial proofs such as this are not part of that numbered edition, making them highly coveted by collectors and institutions alike. The poetic intimacy of Chagall’s words, paired with his rich, symbolic imagery, captures the essence of his inner world — a world of folklore, love, longing, and luminous spirituality.
This work represents not only Chagall’s mastery of the woodcut medium but also a deeply personal expression of his dual identity as both poet and painter — a rarity in the history of modern art.
The work is in Excellent condition.
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