Manilov, plate VIII (supplementary suite) from Les Âmes mortes

Manilov, plate VIII (supplementary suite) from Les Âmes mortes by Marc Chagall is a seminal example of the artist’s graphic work executed in 1923. This print utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, producing rich tonal variations and sharp, detailed linework essential for conveying the narrative intensity of the source material. The work was created as part of Chagall’s extensive commitment to illustrate Nikolai Gogol’s satirical epic, Dead Souls (Les Âmes mortes), a project initiated under the patronage of art dealer Ambrose Vollard.

The illustration depicts the character Manilov, a dreamy, ineffectual landowner, rendered through the fantastical lens characteristic of Chagall. The piece is classified specifically as part of the Illustrated Book tradition, showcasing how the artist translated literary description into his highly personalized visual language. This specific plate belongs to the supplementary suite of prints, demonstrating Chagall’s deep engagement with the text and his desire to expand upon the primary visual narrative.

Created in France during the pivotal period spanning 1923-48, this etching reflects Chagall’s increasing refinement of his technical skill upon his return to Paris following the Russian Revolution. The ability of the artist to utilize the delicate nuances of drypoint results in a drawing that feels immediate and psychologically charged. As a significant piece of French modernist graphic art, the image provides valuable insight into the cross-pollination between Russian literary tradition and Parisian artistic currents in the early 1920s. The artwork is held within the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, highlighting its institutional importance among major prints and illustrated works of the period.