The Grandfathers (Die Grossväter) from My Life (Mein Leben)

The Grandfathers (Die Grossväter) from My Life (Mein Leben) by Marc Chagall, executed in 1922, is an intimate etching and drypoint print forming a critical component of the artist’s deeply personal portfolio illustrating his autobiography. This suite of twenty etchings, fifteen of which also incorporate drypoint, served to visually accompany Chagall’s memoir, Mein Leben (My Life), capturing the characteristic figures, memories, and dreams from his early life in Vitebsk. The series encapsulates the nostalgic, often surreal tone that defines the Russian-Jewish master’s early work.

The technical proficiency of the piece is evident in Chagall’s delicate handling of the etching and drypoint medium. The artist skillfully blends the precise, fine line work inherent to etching with the richer, velvety burr texture provided by drypoint, creating strong visual contrast and atmosphere. Classified formally as an Illustrated Book component, the portfolio provides critical insight into the Parisian avant-garde printmaking movement of the early 20th century. Though deeply rooted in Russian cultural memory, this specific body of work was created during the pivotal year of 1922 and formally published in 1923, cementing its place within French cultural production following Chagall’s return to Western Europe.

This evocative print is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), recognizing its significance within the broader history of Modernist graphic arts. The creation date of 1922, published 1923, places The Grandfathers (Die Grossväter) at a significant transition point in Chagall’s career. The quality and historic context of these early prints ensure their lasting legacy. As a defining example of Chagall’s draftsmanship, the image’s age contributes to its potential public domain status in some territories, allowing broader global accessibility for study and appreciation.