Le Cirque (The Circus) Mourlot 517

Marc Chagall’s "Le Cirque" (Mourlot 517, 1967) is a vibrant color lithograph from his revered "Le Cirque" suite. The image immerses viewers in the enchanting, surreal world of the circus: a flute-playing ringmaster dominates the foreground, while dancers, acrobats, musicians, and whimsical animals tumble and twirl through a riot of emerald, blue, and orange hues. The fairy-tale energy and layered composition evoke both the drama and the playfulness of the circus, embodying Chagall’s belief in the power of imagination and communal joy.

Artistic and Social Context Created in collaboration with master printer Charles Sorlier, this lithograph reflects Chagall’s lifelong fascination with the circus as a metaphor for life’s poetry, unpredictability, and emotional depth. Produced at the height of his late-career exploration of music, spectacle, and performance art, the image is a celebration of artistic freedom and a tribute to both performers and dreamers. It stands among 38 lithographs in the "Le Cirque" portfolio, each one suffused with Chagall’s lyricism and childlike wonder.

Interpretation and Meaning Chagall’s swirling dancers and suspended musicians emphasize themes of unity, fantasy, and the transformative effects of art. The central figures symbolize the creative spirit and the emotional connections woven through collective experience—whether in the circus tent or in everyday life. The dreamlike atmosphere blurs boundaries between reality and performance, inviting viewers into Chagall’s magical world of color and movement.

Size Image: approx. 42 x 65 cm (16 1/2 x 25 1/2 in).