Thursday, March 29, 2018

Chagall Après la Russie



Hats off to the National Gallery of Canada for de-accessioning Chagall's La Tour Eiffel (1929). Consistent with NGC policy, revenue from the sale of this painting will go towards future acquisitions.

Is Canada losing anything by de-accessioning a painting that carries with it this description:

"Filled with an air of sensuous, passionate romance, Marc Chagall’s La Tour Eiffel (estimate: $6-9 million) encapsulates the wonderfully poetic style that emerged in his oeuvre during the 1920s and 1930s. It was during this period that he experienced unprecedented period of happiness, stability, comfort and professional success amidst the bustle and energy of Paris. Bursting with rich color and the artist’s unique symbolic vocabulary, this beautifully composed painting includes many of Chagall’s favorite themes, from love and memory, to music and fantasy, combining unexpected elements to create an otherworldly effect. La Tour Eiffel, which Christie’s is honored to handle on behalf of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, to benefit its acquisitions fund, is being offered for its first time at auction, following record-breaking results for Chagall in November."

I mean, I'm happy Chagall was happy -- but seriously!

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