Before the Easel (An der Staffelei) from My Life (Mein Leben)

Before the Easel (An der Staffelei) from My Life (Mein Leben) by Marc Chagall is a compelling graphic work created in 1922 and formally published the following year. This piece is one of twenty etchings, fifteen of which incorporate the rich texture of drypoint, that were assembled into the portfolio accompanying Chagall’s autobiographical text, Mein Leben. As a fundamental component of this Illustrated Book project, the print serves to visually complement the narrative detailing the artist’s early life and artistic development during his formative years.

Executed while Chagall was actively working in France, this image reflects the profound biographical concerns that anchored his artistic practice throughout the 1920s. The visual composition centers intimately on the act of creation, depicting a figure likely representing the artist himself situated within his studio, grappling with the process suggested by the titular reference to the easel. Unlike many of his fantastical, color-rich oil paintings, this work remains grounded in immediate, autobiographical reflection, capturing the isolation and introspection often inherent to the artistic profession.

Chagall utilized the etching and drypoint technique to achieve highly expressive lines, particularly visible in the velvety, rich tone created by the drypoint burr which lends a sense of atmospheric depth and melancholy to the scene. The subtle gradations of shadow emphasize the interior space, prioritizing line and form over the brilliant color palettes for which the artist is internationally recognized.

This specific example of French graphic artistry remains a key work documenting Chagall’s transitional career following his definitive move west. The work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it is preserved alongside other significant prints documenting the technical mastery and emotional range of the artist.