Expert: DJ Murphy - 8/4/2004

Question
Hi dj,

I am trying to authenticate and price a Chagall piece I have inherited that was created in 1926. It is 16 x 20” and appears to be a serigraph – with magnification you can see the fine weave of the silkscreen. It is NOT a lithograph, there are no dots.  The picture VERY closely resembles the engraving "The Miller his son and the donkey" with slight compositional variations. The colors:  the donkey and the dress of the woman are green. The man on the right is wearing red hat and red pants. The man on the left of the donkey is wearing brown with a white hat. And the man on the far left is in white. The middle ground is lavender.  The pencil marking on my piece says 60/109. The Chagall signature, with the year '26  is ink printed (not hand-signed in pencil) and nearby there is a gold embossed decorative word which I cannot make out but I have photos of this detail and the entire image that I could email if I could find the “attach” button.  Thanks so much for your help.  Sharon

PS Also an artist. I will email you later with questions about selling painting.  Sh

Answer
Hello Sharon,

Sounds like you inherited an interesting research project too.  Should be challenging but hopefully rewarding.  Sorry but I am not an art appraiser.  However, depending on where you live...and if it is near new york or LA, then you would have access to experts in that field.  If not, the internet might be your best bet.....for finding a legitimate appraiser.

Best of luck in your search.

dj murphy