"Important set of original model for the book on the commission of the frescoes of the Paris Opera and documentation with Chagall's original letter for the stained glass window of the UN". Original maquette for the book Chagall, "Le plafond de L''''Opéra de París", André Sauret 1965. This maquette is made up of 24 proofs of Mourlot''''s color and black and white lithographs; color proofs of the dome and details; 10 black and white photographs of the execution process (original copies on photographic paper) and 19 pencil and marker drawings in which Chagall possibly took part. All accompanied by handwritten notes.

In 1964 André Malraux, French Minister of Culture, entrusted Marc Chagall with the reform of the roof of the Paris Opera.

The artist develops a composition in which he pays homage to 14 great composers of opera and lyrical music. The work has an intense chromaticism and profusion of details with winged characters, musical instruments, as well as the representation of emblematic Parisian monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Opera Garnier and even characters such as Minister Malraux and Chagall himself.

In the execution of this work of monumental dimensions, the artist, aware of the importance and transcendence of the commission, wanted to do it altruistically, without charging a penny.

Chagall''''s painting completely breaks with the architecture of the building which, at the time, provoked criticism and conflicting positions. It is important to mention that Chagall made the new ceiling in removable panels that were placed superimposed on the original work so that it was not destroyed.

Accompanies:

- Photocopy of the introduction by Jacques Lassaigne

- A copy of the book by Jacques Lassaigne, "Le Plafond de l''''Opéra de Paris par Marc Chagall". Edited by André Sauret 1965



Letter that Marc Chagall addresses to Basile Yakovlev



Letter addressed by Marc Chagall to Basile Yakovlev, president of the Staff Memorial Committee created on the occasion of the death of Dag Hammarskjöld and 15 other people when the plane crashed in which they were traveling when they were going to mediate in the conflict in the Belgian Congo, today the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General of the UN between 1953 and 1961, was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961.

In recognition and tribute to Hammarskjöld''''s work, they decided to dedicate a monument to him and to all those who lost his life fighting for peace. The Committee commissioned Marc Chagall to create a stained-glass window for the United Nations headquarters in New York, which can currently be seen in the lobby.

U Thant, Secretary General of the UN, presented the stained glass window at the inauguration ceremony held on September 17, 1964.

In this letter, possibly unpublished, dated March 1, 1964, Chagall explains the development of the composition giving details about the dominant color, blue, as it is a color that inspires contemplation. It also references figures fighting for peace and musical symbols evoking Beethoven''''s Ninth Symphony, a favorite of Hammarskjöld''''s. Chagall attached a slide with the sketch of the project.

The letter is typed on “Les Collines” (Vence AM) headed paper and signed by Marc Chagall.

Accompanied by:

- Project sketch slide

- Transparency (21 x 25 cm) of the finished stained glass window

- Color (18 x 25 cm) and black and white photographs (20.5 x 25, 5cm). On the back of the latter, a typed text explaining the project

- Triptych with the transcription of the speeches delivered at the opening ceremony by Basile Yakovlev, Marc Chagall and U Thant.

Provenance

- Rene Lavigne Collection

- Giner de los Ríos Family Collection

- Private Collection. 34 x 26 (the book mockup)