Marc Chagall Artwork Value | Prices, Originals vs Prints, How to Sell

At-a-glance: Marc Chagall

One of the most beloved artists of the 20th century, Chagall created works across painting, printmaking, stained glass, and tapestry — and his print market remains active and accessible at many price levels.

Bio

Name: Marc Zakharovich Chagall
Years Active: 1906–1985
Nationality: Russian-French

Style

Dreamlike imagery, vibrant color, folkloric and biblical themes. Moved through Fauvism, Cubist influences, and Expressionism while maintaining a distinctive personal vision.

What to look for

Mourlot catalogue raisonné numbers for lithographs, Kornfeld numbers for etchings, pencil signatures with edition numbering, Mourlot printer blindstamps.

What Chagall works do people actually own?

Most Chagall works in private hands aren't the major paintings in museum collections. Like Picasso and Miró, Chagall produced extensive print editions alongside original paintings — so the range of what collectors own is wide. Understanding whether you have an original or reproduction is the first step in determining value.

Posters and reproductions — $50–$500
Exhibition posters, museum announcements, and photomechanical reproductions. Some Mourlot-printed posters from the 1960s–70s were produced as original lithographs and are more collectible ($300–$1,000). Standard offset reproductions have minimal value regardless of framing quality.
Unsigned book illustrations — $200–$2,000
Pages from Chagall-illustrated books (Daphnis and Chloe, The Bible, Arabian Nights, Dead Souls). These are original lithographs or etchings from published editions but lack signatures and edition numbers. Value depends on image desirability and condition — iconic subjects like floating lovers and biblical scenes command premiums within this range.
Signed etchings — $2,000–$20,000
Chagall created etchings for major book projects and standalone editions, catalogued by Kornfeld. The Bible etchings (105 plates, 1930–1956) are the most recognized series. Pencil-signed impressions with edition numbers are significantly more valuable than unsigned pulls from the same plates.
Signed lithographs — $3,000–$50,000+
The most collected category of Chagall prints. Printed primarily at Mourlot Frères in Paris, documented in the Mourlot catalogue raisonné. Look for pencil signatures in the lower margin, edition numbers (e.g., 45/75), and Mourlot blindstamps. Major suites like Daphnis and Chloe (42 color lithographs, 1961) and Exodus (1966) command the highest prices.
Works on paper (gouaches, watercolors) — $50,000–$2,000,000+
Original paintings on paper are significantly rarer in the market than prints. Gouaches and watercolors with strong provenance and iconic Chagall imagery — lovers, bouquets, village scenes — trade at auction through major houses. Authentication by the Comité Chagall is expected at this level.

Major oil paintings start in seven figures and can reach $20 million+ for iconic works. Upload your piece for a specific estimate based on current market data.

How to verify Chagall authenticity

Authentication is important for Chagall — his prolific output means forgeries and misattributions circulate regularly. Before getting a valuation, gather these details:

Catalogue raisonné: Mourlot catalogue (Mourlot/Sorlier, 6 volumes) for lithographs, Kornfeld for etchings and engravings — identify your work's catalogue number if possible
Signature characteristics: Chagall signed in pencil as "Marc Chagall" in the lower margin of prints, with a fluid, slightly slanted hand — later works (1970s–80s) may show a less steady line
For lithographs: Look for Mourlot printer blindstamps, proper edition numbering in pencil (e.g., 45/75), and period-appropriate wove or Arches paper
Provenance documentation: Gallery labels, auction records, exhibition history, and prior catalogue references strengthen value — book illustrations should be traceable to their published edition
For major works ($50,000+): The Comité Chagall (managed by the artist's estate) handles authentication for paintings and significant works on paper

Upload photos of the front, back, signature, stamps, and any documentation for a preliminary assessment.

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Marc Chagall artwork FAQs

Start by identifying your work in the appropriate catalogue raisonné: the Mourlot catalogue (completed by Charles Sorlier) for lithographs, or Kornfeld for etchings and engravings. For paintings and major works on paper, the Comité Chagall (managed by the artist's estate) provides authentication opinions. For general guidance on distinguishing originals from reproductions, see our original vs print artwork guide.

Book illustrations are original lithographs or etchings pulled from published editions — they're genuine Chagall works but lack signatures and edition numbers, typically worth $200–$2,000. Signed, numbered prints from the same suites can be worth $3,000–$50,000+ depending on image and condition. Understanding this distinction is essential before getting a valuation.

Authentic Chagall lithographs were primarily printed at Mourlot Frères in Paris and appear in the Mourlot catalogue raisonné. Look for proper edition numbering in pencil (e.g., 45/75), a pencil signature in the lower margin, and appropriate paper stock for the period. Posthumous editions and unauthorized reproductions exist — a free appraisal can help determine what you have.

The Daphnis and Chloe suite (42 color lithographs, 1961) is the most sought-after, with signed impressions selling for $5,000–$50,000+ per sheet. Among School of Paris artists, Chagall lithographs are generally more affordable than Picasso but command similar prices to Matisse prints. Works on paper — gouaches, watercolors, and drawings — range from $50,000 to over $2,000,000 for exceptional pieces.

The right venue depends on value. Unsigned book illustrations and lower-value prints suit regional auctions or online platforms. Signed lithographs valued $5,000–$50,000 sell well through specialist dealers or major auction house print sales. For pieces valued over $1,000, we can help connect you with the right channel — see our selling guide for more details.

Chagall typically signed in pencil as "Marc Chagall" in the lower margin of prints, with a fluid, slightly slanted hand. The signature remained relatively consistent throughout his career, though later works (1970s–80s) may show a less steady hand. Compare your signature to documented examples from the same period in the Mourlot catalogue — our artwork valuation guide explains what experts assess beyond the signature.

How to sell Marc Chagall artwork

Ready to sell your artwork? Here's the process for Chagall pieces at any value level.

1

Get a valuation

Upload photos and we'll identify your piece in the appropriate catalogue raisonné, assess condition and authenticity markers, and provide a realistic market value range within 24-48 hours.

2

Verify authenticity if needed

For lithographs, confirm the Mourlot catalogue listing and edition details. For major works expected to sell above $50,000, the Comité Chagall can provide authentication opinions. For prints, ensure you can document edition details and ownership history.

3

Choose the right channel

Under $10K: Specialist dealers, vetted online platforms, or regional auctions.
$10K–$100K: Major auction house print sales, established galleries.
$100K+: Sotheby's, Christie's, or Phillips; private sale through major dealers.

4

Prepare documentation

Gather provenance records, purchase receipts, prior exhibition history, and any authentication letters. For prints, document margins, condition issues, and any conservation. Complete documentation accelerates sales and strengthens buyer confidence.

Ready to get a free Marc Chagall valuation?

Upload photos of your artwork — front, back, signature, and any stamps or labels — and receive a research-backed estimate with guidance on authenticity, pricing, and selling options.