What is the estimated value of this Marc Chagall lithograph?

This Marc Chagall 'L'Accordéoniste' color lithograph, from the rare hand-signed and numbered edition of 90, has an estimated market value of $4,000 to $6,000 USD. This valuation is based on auction results for similar signed impressions, recognizing its distinction from the more common unsigned book edition. The artist's renown and the print's scarcity are primary value drivers.

What era is this 'L'Accordéoniste' lithograph from?

This 'L'Accordéoniste' lithograph by Marc Chagall was created in 1957, placing it firmly within the Mid-20th Century Modern art era. It exemplifies Chagall's iconic poetic and dreamlike style, characterized by floating figures, fantastical creatures, and vibrant colors, drawing on themes from his Russian-Jewish heritage. This period is highly sought after in the fine art market.

What condition is this Marc Chagall print in, and how does it impact its value?

The print is in good overall condition, exhibiting strong, vibrant colors. Minor, even age-related toning to the paper and a few small surface specks are present, which are typical for a 1957 work and do not significantly detract from its value. The pencil signature and numbering appear somewhat light. Its good condition supports the estimated value, though any major damage would reduce it.

Where should I sell this Marc Chagall 'L'Accordéoniste' lithograph?

Selling this Marc Chagall 'L'Accordéoniste' lithograph within the United States is recommended, particularly through specialist auction houses in New York like Bonhams or Doyle, or curated online marketplaces such as 1stDibs. The US market for Modern and Contemporary Prints & Multiples is robust, offering competitive pricing and a straightforward selling process without the complexities of international shipping.

How can I confirm the authenticity of a Marc Chagall 'L'Accordéoniste' lithograph?

The authenticity of this 'L'Accordéoniste' lithograph is highly confident based on visual evidence and corroboration, but absolute certainty requires physical examination by a qualified specialist. This is crucial to confirm it's from the rare, hand-signed edition of 90, not the common unsigned book edition. A specialist can check for a central fold, assess paper quality, and definitively authenticate the signature.

Marc Chagall (Russian-French, 1887-1985), 'L'Accordéoniste' (The Accordionist), 1957, Color Lithograph, Signed and Numbered

Estimated value: $4,000 - $6,000. Marc Chagall (Russian-French, 1887-1985), 'L'Accordéoniste' (The Accordionist), 1957, Color Lithograph, Signed and Numbered (Mid-20th Century Modern) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This artwork is 'L'Accordéoniste' (The Accordionist), a celebrated color lithograph created by the great 20th-century master Marc Chagall in 1957. The image, with its floating figures, fantastical creatures, and vibrant color, is a quintessential example of Chagall's poetic and dreamlike style, drawing on themes of music, love, and memory from his Russian-Jewish heritage. This print was produced in two distinct versions in 1957. The most common is an unsigned, unnumbered version from an edition of 6,000, which was created for the monograph 'Chagall' by Jacques Lassaigne. This specific example, however, is from the far rarer and more valuable collector's edition of just 90 impressions, which were printed on high-quality Arches paper, hand-signed in pencil by Chagall, and numbered. As number 42 of 90, this piece represents a scarce opportunity to acquire a work directly handled and approved by the artist.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on auction results for other signed and numbered impressions of 'L'Accordéoniste' from the edition of 90. The comparable sales provided in the research briefing are for the common, unsigned book edition and are therefore not direct anchors for value; they merely establish a low-end baseline for the image. Signed impressions of this print typically sell for many multiples of the unsigned version. With a low estimate of $4,000, a conservative reserve price would be $3,200. After accounting for a standard seller's commission (10-15%), the estimated net proceeds to the seller would be between $3,400 and $5,400.

Comparable sales

The volume comprises fifteen lithographs in colors, 1957, within a soft cardboard binding covered with wove containing the first lithograph printed on the front, back, and spine, plus a protective sheet of acetate, from an edition of 6000 unnumbered copies. It was printed by Mourlot Frères and published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, measuring 234 x 205mm (9 1/4 x 8 1/8in). — sold for $1,837 (Bonhams), 2014-09-17
This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled L'Accordeoniste (The Accordionist), from the album Chagall, originates from the 1957 edition published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1957. This lyrical composition captures Chagall's deep affection for music as a universal language of emotion and spirit. Executed as a lithograph on velin paper, this wor — sold for $956 (1stDibs), 2024-01-01
Vintage lithograph of "The Accordionist" by Marc Chagall (1887-1985) in a simple frame. Measures 20" x 14 1/2", 15" x 8 3/4" site. Note: crease from centerfold. — sold for Not publicly available (Embassy Auctions International), 2023-01-05

Expert notes

This valuation is contingent on the print being an authentic impression from the signed and numbered edition of 90. Before any sale, it is essential to have the work physically examined out of its frame by a qualified specialist. This is necessary to confirm the absence of a central fold (which would identify it as a less valuable page from a book) and to allow for expert assessment of the signature. Resolving the minor discrepancy in catalogue raisonné numbers found during research is also recommended.