The Father (Der Vater) from My Life (Mein Leben)

The Father (Der Vater) from My Life (Mein Leben) is an evocative print by Marc Chagall, created in 1922 and published the following year, 1923, as part of a limited-edition portfolio illustrating his autobiography. Classified as an Illustrated Book, this work utilizes the detailed graphic media of etching combined with drypoint. The technique demonstrates the artist’s mastery of line, with the etching providing sharp definition while the drypoint contributes rich, velvety burrs, particularly evident in the depiction of shadow and texture.

This particular print is deeply biographical, capturing the subject of his father who played a pivotal role in Chagall's memories of his youth in Vitebsk. Although the subject matter is rooted in his Russian background, the work was executed during Chagall’s time within the Parisian art world, positioning the image at the forefront of French modernism. The portfolio, Mein Leben, reflects his distinct visual lexicon, seamlessly blending structural elements borrowed from Cubism with deeply emotional, personalized narratives characteristic of his early mature style.

The portfolio was influential in establishing Chagall’s reputation not just as a painter, but as a significant graphic artist. Working in Paris during the period of 1922, the artist continued to refine his printmaking skills, producing a series of powerful prints that convey the atmosphere of memoir and introspection. These works offer crucial biographical insight, placing the artist’s personal history within the broader context of European art history.

This important piece of printmaking history resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The enduring legacy of this portfolio ensures that these prints remain valuable documents of the artist's life and style. As historical works from this period, including high-quality prints, increasingly become accessible through public domain initiatives, the unique artistic and biographical significance of The Father (Der Vater) from My Life (Mein Leben) continues to be widely studied.