Estate of the artist
Private Collection, Europe (acquired from the above in May 1997 and sold: Sotheby's, London, February 5, 2003, lot 173)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Work is in excellent condition. Original canvas. Under UV light: no inpainting is apparent.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The fusion of love and flowers was a constant theme throughout Chagall's life, rendered in Les Bouquets dans le ciel with a fascinating treatment of scale and spatial arrangement of motifs. In this painting, the two bouquets of flowers in full bloom almost erupt from their vases, filling a large proportion of the canvas. The dominance of the bouquets in comparison to the pair of lovers reflects Franz Meyer's description of Chagall's compositions as "merely words in a painted poem" (F. Meyer, Chagall, Life and Work, New York, 1961, p. 372). The pair of lovers appear to float dreamily in a vacant space that is perfectly contrasted to the vivacious permanence of the flowers. Particularly striking in this work is the contrast between the thick impasto and deeply saturated colors of the bouquets and the lighter tones of the thinly brushed background from which the floating figures emerge.