Solomon Praying in the temple (1931) Gravures & estampes par Marc Chagall

Title: Solomon Praying in the temple (s.7382) - Priere de Salomon
Medium : Original Etching, 14th December 1931/39, on Arches paper, with W monogram watermark, signed in the plate (below left). Collectors rubber stamp mark verso (Unreadable)
Edition: 295 copies of which a signed and numbered editon of 100 was made, with hand colouring, and the rest unsigned as in our case.
20 hors commerce copies reserved for collaborators, numbered from I to XX.
Reference: Sorlier No 277. Cramer Number 29
Published by: Teriade, 1956
Printed by: Raymond Haasen, Paris
Historical Note: Marc Chagall was a devout Jew and his faith was often portrayed in his art. In 1931/39 he created a magnificent series of 105 etchings which were published, in 1956, by the famous Teriade. These came in an Arches paper wove cover with four folded flaps and black printing on the front. This is plate 79 from the Bible series. The massive work was not only a considerable artistic achievement but was also a statement of the artists faith in his religion in which he explored the deeds of the Patriarchs and their relationship with god. The work illustrates a tract from the First bok of Kings (1 Ki.8.22) “And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presen ce of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands towards heaven”. Solomon had built his famous temple the ruins of which can still be seen in Jerusalem today.
Size: 222 x 225 mms