Marc Chagall’s most valuable prints are typically rare signed lithographs, exceptional proofs and complete portfolios from important series such as Daphnis et Chloé. While many original Chagall prints trade for thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, exceptional works can reach six figures, and rare complete sets have sold substantially higher.
Marc Chagall Daphnis et Chloé: One of His Most Valuable Print Series
Published in 1961, Daphnis et Chloé consists of 42 color lithographs, catalogued as Mourlot 308–349 and Cramer Books 46. Chagall worked closely with Atelier Mourlot to achieve unusually complex color effects, and complete sets have become scarce because many were later separated and sold as individual lithographs.
One of the most significant public results came at Christie’s London in June 2023, when an exceptional complete set of 42 proofs associated with Mourlot master printer Georges Sagourin sold for £819,000. The sheets were signed by Chagall, some carried personal dedications, and the group included collaborator proofs and a remarque.
That result should not be compared directly with a standard edition. In October 2022, Phillips sold a complete book edition of 250 for $151,200.
Important individual signed lithographs have also achieved strong prices. Le Jugement de Chloé, Mourlot 315, from the signed edition of 60 sold for £63,500 at Sotheby’s in September 2023, while La Caverne des nymphes, Mourlot 321, sold for £27,940 at Phillips London in January 2024.
These results illustrate how edition, proof status, signature, provenance, completeness and condition can materially affect value.
Sur la terre des Dieux: $101,600
Chagall’s important portfolios extend beyond Daphnis et Chloé. In April 2025, Phillips sold a complete artist’s-proof portfolio of Sur la terre des Dieux for $101,600.
The portfolio comprises 12 color lithographs, catalogued as Mourlot 529–540 and Cramer Books 72. The example sold was one of 25 artist’s-proof portfolios lettered A–Y, with ten sheets individually signed.
Notable Marc Chagall Print Auction Results
| Marc Chagall Work | Edition / Type | Auction | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daphnis et Chloé, 42 lithographs | Rare printer/collaborator proof set | Christie’s, June 2023 | £819,000 |
| Daphnis et Chloé, 42 lithographs | Complete book edition | Phillips, Oct. 2022 | $151,200 |
| Sur la terre des Dieux, 1967 | Complete artist’s-proof portfolio | Phillips, Apr. 2025 | $101,600 |
| Le Jugement de Chloé, 1961 | Signed edition of 60 | Sotheby’s, Sept. 2023 | £63,500 |
| La Caverne des nymphes, 1961 | Signed edition of 60 | Phillips, Jan. 2024 | £27,940 |
These are significant public auction results, not an exhaustive ranking of every Chagall print sold. Prices are shown in the currencies reported by the auction houses.
Four Tales from the Arabian Nights
Chagall’s Four Tales from the Arabian Nights (1948), documented as Cramer Books 18, is another important area of his print market. These early color lithographs are prized for their scarcity, vivid color and importance in Chagall’s development as a color printmaker.
In April 2022, Phillips sold the signed final state of plate 10 together with ten progressive color proofs for $23,940.
Why Are Some Chagall Prints Worth More Than Others?
The strongest prices are generally associated with important imagery, scarce editions, signed impressions, exceptional proofs, complete portfolios, strong color and condition, and meaningful provenance.
A rare proof with direct Mourlot or printer provenance can be worth substantially more than a standard impression of the same image.
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What Is My Marc Chagall Lithograph Worth?
The best comparable is generally a recent sale of the same work and same edition, with adjustments for signature, proof status, condition, color quality and provenance.
Exceptional results such as the £819,000 Daphnis et Chloé proof set should not be used to value a standard book-edition impression.
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Buying Marc Chagall Lithographs
Collectors should focus on correctly documented works, desirable editions, strong condition and appropriate catalogue references rather than auction price alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Valuable Marc Chagall Prints
What is the most valuable Marc Chagall print series?
Daphnis et Chloé occupies the upper end of Chagall’s graphic market and has produced some of his strongest publicly reported print auction results, particularly for complete sets and exceptional proofs.
How much did a complete Daphnis et Chloé sell for?
An exceptional complete set of 42 proofs associated with Mourlot printer Georges Sagourin sold at Christie’s London in June 2023 for £819,000. This was a highly unusual proof set and should not be compared directly with standard editions.
Can one Marc Chagall lithograph be worth more than $50,000?
Yes. Certain rare, highly desirable individual signed lithographs have exceeded that level. Sotheby’s reported £63,500 for Le Jugement de Chloé in September 2023.
Are complete Chagall portfolios more valuable than individual prints?
They can be. Complete sets may command substantial premiums when they are scarce and retain the correct prints, text, justification pages, portfolios and other original components. However, value depends on the specific project and edition.
