My Life (Mein Leben)

My Life (Mein Leben), created by Marc Chagall in 1922, is a profound autobiographical portfolio classified as an Illustrated Book. This major work comprises twenty individual prints executed primarily in the etching medium. Fifteen of these etchings were enhanced further using drypoint, a technique that adds rich, velvety lines and deep shadows, emphasizing the emotional intensity characteristic of Chagall’s unique style. The delicate and intricate nature of the prints showcases the artist's facility with line work, capturing both the mundane and the miraculous elements of his memories.

Although Chagall often referenced his Russian-Jewish origins, the artistic production and publication of this seminal work were firmly situated within the thriving interwar artistic environment of France. The portfolio, dated 1922, was officially released in 1923, marking a crucial moment in the artist's career as he transitioned fully into printmaking commissions, establishing a significant reputation in the graphic arts world. These twenty prints provide a detailed visual memoir, capturing early childhood memories, family life, and the development of his artistic vision through fantastical, dreamlike compositions. The consistency of technique across the set demonstrates Chagall’s rapid mastery of the demanding intaglio processes necessary for high-quality etching prints.

The images within this Illustrated Book are dense with symbolic imagery, reflecting the artist’s characteristic fusion of Surrealism and folk art, which often places gravity-defying figures alongside domestic scenes from his hometown of Vitebsk. Chagall utilized the stark black and white contrast inherent in etching to heighten the emotional drama of his personal narratives, creating a visual lexicon that would define his entire oeuvre. The work stands as one of the most significant illustrated portfolios of the modern era, demonstrating narrative depth achieved solely through graphic means. A complete set of My Life (Mein Leben) is held within the renowned collection of the Museum of Modern Art, preserving this vital example of French modernist printmaking.