The Coachman Feeds the Horses (Le Cocher donne à manger aux chevaux), plate XXVI (supplementary suite) from Les Âmes mortes

The Coachman Feeds the Horses (Le Cocher donne à manger aux chevaux), plate XXVI (supplementary suite) from Les Âmes mortes, is a powerful early graphic work created by Marc Chagall in 1923. This plate, skillfully executed using the delicate yet demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, is integral to a larger project classified as an Illustrated Book. Chagall created this series of images for the deluxe French edition of Nikolai Gogol's classic satirical novel, Dead Souls (Les Âmes mortes), specifically contributing this image as part of the supplementary suite of prints. This early graphic work demonstrates the artist's versatility and profound commitment to the printmaking tradition during a formative period in his career.

The image captures a characteristically Russian scene implied by Gogol’s narrative: a coachman attentively feeding his horses. Chagall renders the moment not as mere illustration, but with an expressive, deeply etched quality that highlights the contrast between the sharp lines of the etching and the rich, velvety texture achieved through drypoint. This artistic approach showcases the prevailing modernist printmaking trends active in French culture during the period between 1923 and 1948. Although the subject matter is steeped in the landscape of 19th-century Russian literature, Chagall’s interpretation imbues the scene with his recognizable blend of poignant narrative and slightly distorted realism.

As an original print from a limited edition volume, the classification of this piece as an Illustrated Book emphasizes its importance within the canon of modern graphic arts. The project, Les Âmes mortes, remains one of the most celebrated examples of Chagall’s contribution to prints before his move primarily back to color media. This specific plate, demonstrating the artist's early mastery of line and tone, provides critical insight into his commitment to graphic narration. This significant work is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, preserving its status as a cornerstone of Chagall’s essential graphic output.