Chagall's Masterpiece: Rediscovering the Origins of the Paris Opera Ceiling Mural

1964 Oil on Canvas Masterpiece

In 1964, the renowned artist Marc Chagall unveiled a stunning oil on canvas masterpiece comprising 24 polyester resin panels. This extraordinary work of art was destined to grace the ceiling of the iconic Paris Opera, a testament to the enduring legacy of Chagall's creative vision.

Malraux's Secret Commission

Five decades after making France his adopted home, Marc Chagall embarked on a clandestine project in 1963. At the behest of French Minister of Cultural Affairs André Malraux, Chagall was tasked with the monumental commission to repaint the ceiling of the Paris Opera. Malraux, himself an ardent admirer of Chagall's work, had recognized the artist's unique ability to infuse the space with a transformative artistic spirit.

In a private meeting, Malraux whispered the commission to Chagall, setting in motion a creative journey that would culminate in one of the most celebrated artworks of the 20th century.