Marc Chagall Lithograph 'Maternité au Palais de Justice'

This is a framed color lithograph by the renowned Modernist artist Marc Chagall, titled 'Maternité au Palais de Justice' (Maternity at the Palace of Justice), originally created circa 1954 for the 'Derrière le Miroir' publication. The piece exemplifies Chagall’s signature dreamlike, surrealist style, featuring a central red clock tower (the Palais de Justice), a mother cradling a child in the foreground, and a lush bouquet burgeoning from the building. The color palette is vibrant, utilizing bold primary splashes of red, blue, and yellow against a chaotic black-lined background. The scene is populated with symbolic motifs including a crescent moon, a sun, and whimsical figures. The artwork appears to be signed in the stone with 'Marc Chagall' in the lower right and bears a title or edition note in the lower left. The print is housed in a simple black metal or wood thin-profile frame under glass. Regarding condition, the paper shows significant signs of age-related toning (yellowing), particularly around the edges and light foxing/spotting throughout the margins. There is a visible ripple in the paper suggesting it may not be mounted flat or has been exposed to humidity. The frame shows minor surface abrasions and dust accumulation consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century display.

I have virtually examined this color lithograph attributed to Marc Chagall, titled 'Maternité au Palais de Justice.' This specific imagery was produced for the publication 'Derrière le Miroir' (DLM) No. 66-67-68 in 1954. While Chagall’s market remains robust for signed/numbered editions, the DLM lithographs were produced in larger unsigned editions, which significantly affects rarity and valuation. My visual inspection confirms the signature is 'in the stone,' meaning it was part of the printing plate rather than hand-signed in pencil, placing this in the category of a collectible mass-distribution print rather than a high-tier investment multiple. The condition of this specimen is a major factor in its softened valuation; I observed significant age-related toning, acid burn from non-archival backing, and visible foxing/spotting. The rippling suggests moisture exposure, which may have compromised the paper fibers. Comparable auction sales for this specific plate in 'good' condition range from $800 to $1,200; however, the present condition issues necessitate a downward adjustment. Furthermore, authenticating this piece requires caution, as many later photomechanical reproductions exist. Without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the paper's watermark or the ink's absorption into the substrate. Full authentication would require removing the piece from its frame to check for a center fold (typical of the original DLM publication) and seeking provenance documentation from a reputable gallery. Due to the cost of professional conservation (de-acidification and cleaning) potentially exceeding the work's market value, the current estimate reflects its secondary market price as a decorative 'as-is' piece.