Stephen Hahn, New York

Franz Meyer, Marc Chagall, New York, 1963, no. 709, illustrated

On the top verso there are five, two inch strips of dried scotch tape residue, two each at the corners and one top center, also at the top verso corners are strips of brown paper tape just below the residue stains at each corner. The sheet also shows the normal, minor buckling expected in a work painted with a heavily applied pigment. There are no tears, abrasions or losses, the pigment is in near pristine condition. This report has kindly been provided by the paper conservator Alan Firkser. Please note the correct medium is gouache, charcoal and pastel on paper.
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 Nazi invasion of  Western Europe prompted Chagall's exile to the United States in 1940.  During the war years, Chagall received a commission from Léonide Massine, the choreographer and director of a ballet company in Mexico, to design the costumes and décor for the ballet Aleko.  Chagall happily accepted the commission and moved with his family to Mexico City.  During his stay in Mexico, Chagall was influenced by the country's bright light, contrasting colors, and most importantly, by the country's tumultuous history.  The Russian revolution, like the Mexican revolution of 1910 that preceded it, glorified the role of the proletariat and promised to improve the lives of the common people.  Le Cheval à la lune depicts a romantic celebration of the Mexican people illustrating, most likely, a Pancho Villa-inspired protagonist in the composition.  Francisco "Pancho" Villa was one of three revolutionary generals who fought Porfirio Díaz' federal troops in order to improve the lives of the Campesinos. 

Fig 1  General Francis༺co Villa, photograph by Brown Bros.