The Barnyard (La Basse-cour), plate XVII (supplementary suite) from Les Âmes mortes

The Barnyard (La Basse-cour), plate XVII (supplementary suite) from Les Âmes mortes by Marc Chagall, is an exemplary work of modern illustration produced in 1923. This intricate print was created using the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, augmented by roulette to achieve subtle tonal variations and textural depth within the linear structure. As part of a series illustrating Nikolai Gogol’s satirical masterpiece, Dead Souls, this piece showcases Chagall’s unique blend of narrative surrealism applied to literary classics. The illustration falls under the classification of an Illustrated Book, marking a significant contribution to the French graphic arts tradition of the era.

Executed during the vital period of 1923-48, when Chagall was solidifying his reputation in Paris, the style remains consistent with his dream-like visual vocabulary, even when constrained by the monochromatic requirements of the print medium. This image, titled The Barnyard (La Basse-cour), translates the chaotic energy and social commentary inherent in Gogol's narrative into a compositionally dense image. The work focuses on the visual representation of Russian provincial life and its often eccentric characters, interpreted through the unique vision of an expatriate artist working within sophisticated French cultural circles.

This piece demonstrates Chagall’s capacity to merge traditional graphic techniques with his personal lexicon of floating figures, animals, and fragmented architecture. The detailed execution confirms the artist's dedication to the fine art of the book illustration. The existence of such fine prints ensured the broader dissemination of the work. This significant print is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), recognizing its value as both a key example of the Illustrated Book genre and a vital chapter in Chagall’s extensive output.