Marc Chagall (1887–1985) – “nice, Sun, Flowers” – 1962 – Signed Lithographic Poster,

Marc Chagall (1887–1985) – “Nice, Sun, Flowers” – 1962 – Lithographic poster, inscribed, signed, and dated

Marc Chagall (1887–1985)
Nice, Sun, Flowers
1962

An important full-color lithographic poster created by Marc Chagall in 1962 to promote Nice and the French Riviera, and printed by the renowned Mourlot studio in Paris.

In a magnificent palette of Mediterranean blues, Chagall depicts a red-haired mermaid emerging from the Baie des Anges, carrying a huge bouquet of flowers. A marvelous and almost protective figure, she seems to watch over Nice, amidst the sea, sun, flowers, and palm trees.

The mermaid—a motif dear to Chagall and intimately associated with Nice in his work—becomes here a poetic allegory of the city: a creature between sky and sea, embodying the colors and flowers of the Mediterranean.

The lower part of the poster features the printed text “Nice – Sun – Flowers – Marc Chagall” as part of the composition.

A signed and inscribed copy

Our copy features a particularly interesting detail: above the printed signature is a handwritten dedication in red ink, accompanied by the signature “Marc Chagall” and the date “1962.”

This handwritten inscription is quite distinct from the brown printed signature that is part of the poster’s original design.

Provenance – Galerie Flak, Paris

On the reverse is an old label from Galerie Flak, located on Rue des Beaux-Arts in Paris, bearing the handwritten notes:

“CHAGALL – Nice Fleurs – Lithographic poster – signed – dated circa 1962 .”

The work is also accompanied by a document from Galerie Flak dated April 23, 2002, in which it is specifically described as:

“1 lithographic poster by Chagall – NICE – SUN – FLOWERS – signed by Marc Chagall – circa 1962.”

This document lists a price of €4,573 in 2002.

The preservation of this historical documentation is particularly valuable for tracing the provenance of this piece.

Beautifully presented in a mat and a gilded frame with molded decoration.

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985)
Title: Nice, Sun, Flowers
Date: 1962
Technique: color lithographic poster
Printer: Mourlot, Paris
Special feature: handwritten dedication, signature “Marc Chagall,” and date “1962” in red ink
Provenance: Galerie Flak, Paris – documentation dated April 23, 2002
Condition: in excellent presentation condition, under glass
Poster dimensions: 62/99 cm without frame.  83/1.20 cm with frame
Date: 1962.
Printer: Mourlot, Paris.
Bibliography: Charles Sorlier, Les Affiches de Marc Chagall, p. 39.

An iconic work by Marc Chagall that reflects his attachment to Nice, made particularly interesting here by its dedication, his handwritten signature dated 1962, and its documented Parisian provenance.