The Rahr-West Art Museum has acquired eight rare prints by 20th Century artist Marc Chagall to complete its Le Cirque portfolio. The acquisition is the museum’s largest in 25 years, and completes the Rahr-West’s portfolio of the coveted 1967 Le Cirque series.

“For over 30 years, the Rahr-West has been searching for these remaining prints,” said Executive Director Greg Vadney. “To bring them into our community, in impeccable condition, is a remarkable undertaking.”

Marc Chagall is considered one of Europe’s most accomplished 20th century artists, who’s work reached every corner of the world during his career. Le Cirque showcases his quintessential use of vivid color, dreamlike composition, and whimsical characters. He created the portfolio of 38 Le Cirque prints in Paris in 1967 with the assistance of master graphic artist Efstratios Teriade.
Art historian Steven D. Little said of the Le Cirque series:
It is during this period that Chagall had reached the pinnacle of his technical maturity in the medium of color lithography. The resulting prints, with their rich, shimmering tones and fluid contours, are recognized as some of the finest examples of color lithography to have been created by any artist during the 20th century.