Nude with Fan

Nude with Fan is an exquisite etching created by Marc Chagall in 1924. This notable print exemplifies the artist's continued exploration of intimate and dreamlike subject matter during his residency in France. Executed as a fine example of graphic art, the work belongs to the period when Chagall was solidifying his reputation within the European avant-garde, blending his Eastern European origins with the sophistication of Parisian modernism. The date 1924 marks a pivotal moment in the artist's output, as he moved increasingly toward professional printmaking and illustration projects that cemented his technical prowess.

As an etching, this piece showcases the delicate line quality and tonal depth possible in intaglio processes. Chagall utilized the technique to render the central subject: a female nude, often depicted in his characteristic floating or ambiguous settings. The inclusion of the fan adds a classic element, perhaps invoking earlier French traditions of the odalisque or suggesting an air of mystery and concealment surrounding the figure. Unlike some of his highly colorful contemporaneous paintings, this etching relies solely on the stark contrast of black lines and white paper, emphasizing form and composition through precision rather than chroma. Chagall manages to infuse the restricted palette of the print medium with the same sense of fantastical intimacy found in his larger oils.

Produced while the artist was firmly based in the French art scene, this work contributes to the rich history of modern prints developed in Paris during the early 20th century. While Surrealism was gaining considerable ground, Chagall maintained a highly personalized style that resisted easy classification, focusing intently on memory, love, and private emotion. This particular Nude with Fan, dating from 1924, remains a significant document of his mastery of the etching plate. The print is currently held within the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, ensuring its accessibility for study and appreciation alongside other major works from the Modernist period. As a notable example of early 20th-century printmaking, high-quality images of this piece sometimes enter the public domain depending on local copyright laws, allowing wider art historical dissemination.