007 - Roses and Mimosa (Nice et la Côte d'Azur, CS.29), 1967

"Roses and Mimosa (CS.29)" is a lithograph created by Marc Chagall in 1967 for his series 'Nice et la Côte d'Azur'. From the edition of 235, the artwork is signed 'Marc Chagall' lower right and annotated lower left. The artwork is framed in a custom, closed-corner, gold leaf frame and has a framed size of 38 x 31". The artwork ships framed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Marc Chagall is celebrated as one of the most visionary and poetic artists of the 20th century. Rooted in personal memory, Jewish folklore, and spiritual symbolism, his artistic language engaged movements such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Surrealism while remaining entirely his own. Beyond painting, he was a master printmaker, stained glass designer, and stage artist, sustaining a career that spanned nearly a century.

From the 1950s onward, Chagall found profound inspiration in the South of France, particularly Nice and the surrounding Côte d’Azur. The Mediterranean light, vibrant color, and festive spirit of the region deeply informed his late work. This atmosphere forms the foundation of ‘Nice et la Côte d’Azur,’ a celebrated portfolio published in 1967.

The suite comprises twelve original lithographs created under Chagall’s direct supervision at Atelier Mourlot in Paris. Widely regarded as one of the most desirable portfolios in his graphic oeuvre, the series exemplifies his mastery of color lithography. Rich blues, radiant reds, and luminous greens animate compositions that transform the Riviera into a realm of memory and imagination.

These lithographs do not present literal views. Instead, they elevate the landscape into a poetic vision. Floating lovers drift above the Baie des Anges and village rooftops, bouquets burst with color as symbols of love and offering, and winged creatures glide across azure skies. Recognizable settings such as Nice and Saint Paul de Vence appear through an emotional lens rather than topographic precision. The result is a series of visionary landscapes where personal memory and collective joy converge.

Chagall considered the South of France his spiritual home, and this suite stands as a tribute to its beauty and vitality. The works unite many of the motifs most sought after by collectors, including lovers, flowers, coastal villages, and radiant Mediterranean light.

‘Nice et la Côte d’Azur’ remains one of the crown jewels of Chagall’s printmaking legacy. Joyful, lyrical, and visually captivating, the suite captures the essence of his mature style and offers a timeless celebration of love, place, and imagination.