The Grandmother (Die Grossmutter) from My Life((Mein Leben)

The intimate portrait, The Grandmother (Die Grossmutter) from My Life (Mein Leben) by Marc Chagall, is a poignant example of the artist’s graphic work created in 1922 and published in 1923. This work is one of twenty etchings, fifteen of which also employed drypoint, originally featured in Chagall’s influential portfolio illustrating his autobiography. Classified formally as an Illustrated Book component, the image served not merely as decoration, but as a crucial visual reflection of the deeply personal narrative detailed in his text.

The piece utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, showcasing the delicate, linear quality characteristic of the medium. The use of drypoint is particularly evident in the deep, velvety blacks and expressive line work, giving the depiction of the grandmother a deeply emotional resonance. Though the subject matter evokes the memory and spirit of Chagall's early life in Vitebsk, Russia, the print itself was executed during a critical period in the artist’s career within French artistic circles.

During the pivotal 1920s, Chagall was solidifying his reputation within the Parisian avant-garde, embracing French culture while continually drawing inspiration from his Russian Jewish heritage. This merger of past and present identity is a core theme throughout the My Life portfolio. The overall portfolio provides critical insight into the visual language of the autobiographical genre during the early twentieth century.

This significant graphic work, which captures a specific memory or emotion from the artist's past, remains a foundational example of Chagall’s ability to merge personal history with modernist printmaking techniques. A notable impression of the etching, The Grandmother (Die Grossmutter), is held in the renowned collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), ensuring its accessibility and study as a pivotal example of early 20th-century French prints.