Marc Chagall: The Circus

‘For me a circus is a magic show that appears and disappears like a world. A circus is disturbing. It is profound.’ Le Cirque, Marc Chagall

Throughout his prolific career, Marc  Chagall  (1887 – 1985) returned time and again to the vivid imagery of acrobats, clowns and fantastical performers.  Marc  Chagall: The Circus  will present Chagall’s celebrated lithographs on this subject, alongside paintings and archival material, both providing an introduction to  Chagall’s work and life, and exploring his unique vision and symbology.

In 1967,  Chagall  created the suite of lithographs  Le Cirque, published alongside an essay in which he reflected on the importance of this theme. As with much of his later work, memories are merged with nostalgia and  a sense of loss, transforming the circus into a metaphor for the complexities, joys and sorrows of the human experience. Imagery that would become symbolic of a lost life in his native Vitebsk, for which Chagall  became famous – the goat, the lovers – appear throughout his circus scenes. The complete suite of colour lithographs from  Le Cirque,  rarely seen in its entirety, are brought together for this exhibition.

This exhibition will highlight how  Chagall’s personal background, his experiences as an immigrant, and his lifelong embrace of theatricality shaped his circus imagery. By examining many of  Chagall’s circus lithographs in dialogue with related paintings and writings, the exhibition will offer visitors an insight into the creative process and poetic imagination of one of the greatest modern masters.