Marc Chagall (1887–1985), *Le Rubis* (The Ruby) from the series “Contes de Boccace” (Boccaccio’s *Decameron*), 1950

Lithograph/heliogravure on Velin paper from Papeteries du Marais; 35 x 25 cm (image size) in a 50 x 40 cm mat;
Publisher: Verve (Teriade); Printed by: Atelier Draeger Frères
A special 1950 edition of the French art magazine *Verve*, titled *Contes de Boccace* (The Tales of Boccaccio), is an exceptionally valuable example of Marc Chagall’s masterful synthesis of contemporary art and classical literature. Volume VI featured the artist’s interpretation of selected passages from Giovanni Boccaccio’s famous “Decameron.” For this purpose, Chagall created 26 full-page black-and-white lithographs, characterized by extraordinary lightness and tonal depth.
These lithographs were created using the lavis technique, which means that the artist used ink diluted with water, applying it with a brush to achieve soft gray gradations and dynamic chiaroscuro. These original, hand-drawn wash drawings were then reproduced using an advanced heliogravure method, which was able to perfectly capture the subtlety and texture of the diluted ink.
The Draeger Frères studio was the only one to master the heliogravure technique required to faithfully reproduce the subtle tonal gradations and Chagall’s original ink washes.
Chagall’s modern, dreamlike vision was juxtaposed with historical, colorful miniature illustrations from a 15th-century illuminated manuscript of *The Decameron*. Some of the illustrations were created using the chromolithography technique.
*Verve* was a collector’s magazine, known for its high-quality original lithographs and heliogravures by renowned artists (Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Léger, Miró), and its print runs were limited and small, which contributed to its exclusivity and high collectible value. This edition is considered one of the most important and beautiful projects in the artist’s postwar graphic oeuvre, representing a captivating dialogue between eras and styles.
The bindings shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a commercial offer.