Daphnis and Chloe #1 1961

Curator: Here we have Marc Chagall's "Daphnis and Chloe #1," a 1961 print using lithography and oil paint. What’s your first take? Editor: It feels ethereal, a dreamscape painted with light. The sheer abundance of figures – angels, humans, animals – nestled in that emerald space makes you think about stage design or book illustrations. Curator: Yes, the work definitely taps into narrative traditions. We know Chagall was influenced by literary classics and folklore. The winged figures certainly invoke ideas of messengers, guardians, connecting with ancient pastoral tales. Editor: Interesting, I hadn’t connected it to that genre right away. To me, the blurry effect he’s achieving across the image with those oil washes or diluted paint strokes feels really interesting. Look at the man leaning on the cane… what could you tell me about Chagall's production? Curator: It’s said that Chagall initially hesitated to tackle lithography, feeling it might lack the immediacy of painting, but once he started working with master printers, especially in Paris, he clearly embraced the medium. Editor: The materiality brings a sort of lightness to a pretty complex composition. He handles lithography and oil in a way that dematerializes the solidity you might expect. It looks almost translucent. Was that common for him? Curator: Absolutely. He used translucent layers to suggest otherworldliness. Recurring images in his work such as the doves or certain bouquets reference peace or beauty respectively, a personal symbology rooted in a larger cultural understanding. Editor: So, for Chagall, symbols weren't just decorative but meaningful building blocks, ways of encoding cultural memory. Looking closely, I wonder about his labor. To what extent does his hand mark the surface? Curator: To a great extent. But beyond mere marks, each image and its placement within the picture contributes to an emotional depth, inviting repeated contemplation to decipher meaning. It gives such staying power. Editor: Yes, absolutely. It's funny how the choice of materials gives us a sense of immediacy, but these works definitely stand the test of time due to this intense encoding of layered symbols and experience. Thanks for that!