Provenance

Evelyn Stefansson Nef

Baird, Evelyn Schwartz
Estate of Evelyn Nef
Nef, Evelyn Mrs.
Nef, Evelyn Schwartz Baird Stefansson
Nef, Evelyn Stefansson
Nef, John Ulric Mrs.
Schwartz, Evelyn
Stefansson, Evelyn Schwartz Baird

American, 1913 - 2009

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Created with tiny, colored stones and glass, this mosaic shows groups of people along and near the edge of a brilliant, topaz-blue body of water with a large, lemon-yellow, stylized sun in the sky in this horizontal composition. The aquamarine blue and vibrant yellow along with lime green, lilac purple, oyster white, and teal used in the people and landscape give this work a shimmering look. A pair of people recline together under a tree in the lower right corner. A sheep stands nearby, and a bird perches in the tree above. Beyond the tree and to our left, a cluster of box-like forms suggests a city in the distance. Larger in scale, so seeming closer to us, a man wearing a lapis-blue toga and a yellow cap holds a stringed instrument, a lyre, in front of his body. To the left, at the center of the composition, a trio of women each wearing amethyst-purple, magenta-pink, or lapis-blue dresses stand close to each other. They have long, dark hair and their bodies and garments are outlined in black. Between them and the large sun to our left, a winged horse with a buttercup-yellow body and turquoise-blue wings rears up. Near the upper left corner, the stylized sun is represented by a disk surrounded by pointed peaks, surrounded by a larger disk outlined with another ring of triangular points. A winged person holding a set of pan pipes flies above the sun to our left, over a small crescent moon below. Near the lower left corner, two groups of people gather around a body of bright blue water occupied by two fish. The artist signed and dated the work in the lower right corner: “MArC ChAgAll 69.” The mosaic is displayed outside in front of a screen of trees, with a band of bushes with green and orange leaves below.
Marc Chagall, Orphée, 1969, stone and glass mosaic, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.104.1-10

Orphée

Marc Chagall · 1969 · stone and glass mosaic ·  Accession ID  2011.60.104.1-10

This painting features a book cover with colorful illustrations and text elements in the style of Marc Chagall. The cover displays the title "Marc Chagall Monotypes 1961-1965" along with various vibrant and whimsical illustrations. These illustrations include a sketch of a bird in light reds at the top left, handwritten text in French, a doodle of a person's face and an abstract figure in green to the left, a dynamic multicolored pattern of red floral motifs and swirls to the right, a depiction of a rider on a horse in vibrant and subdued tones, and an intricate patterned jug in the bottom right. The overall cover is a playful and vivid combination of text and artwork reflecting Chagall's whimsical style.
Marc Chagall, Two Lovers with a Bourgeoning Bouquet and a Bird, published 1966, drawing dated 1968, bound volume with 1 etching with drypoint and 1 drawing in watercolor and ink on title-page, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.93

Two Lovers with a Bourgeoning Bouquet and a Bird

Marc Chagall · published 1966, drawing dated 1968 · bound volume with 1 etching with drypoint and 1 drawing in watercolor and ink on title-page ·  Accession ID  2011.60.93

The image depicts a stylized baboon in profile, sitting on a red surface. The baboon has minimal and abstract facial features, with its body slightly turned towards the viewer. The fur is rendered using brown and grey strokes, giving it a dynamic appearance. The background is solid blue. No accessories or objects are shown.
Dame Elisabeth Frink, Kip Gresham, Curwen Chilford Prints Ltd., Baboon, 1990, color lithograph on wove BFK Rives paper, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.97.1

Baboon

Dame Elisabeth Frink, Kip Gresham, Curwen Chilford Prints Ltd. · 1990 · color lithograph on wove BFK Rives paper ·  Accession ID  2011.97.1

The image depicts a pencil drawing of a person from the shoulders up. The individual is facing forward with neat, short hair and a slight smile. They have prominent eyebrows and detailed eyes. The person is wearing a garment with a textured, feather-like collar and round earrings in each ear. The background is plain.
Alex Katz, Evie, 1974, pencil on Rives wove paper, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.38

Evie

Alex Katz · 1974 · pencil on Rives wove paper ·  Accession ID  2011.60.38

The image displays a menu card featuring a drawing on the left side of a human figure. The figure is depicted in a reclining position with arms extended forward. The torso, shoulders, and bending arms are visible. Pink, flower-like shapes are near the figure's hands. The illustration is signed "Marc Chagall" in blue. The right side displays menu details for an event titled "ANNIVERSAIRE VAVA-EVELYN 1973." Menu items include Caviar d'Iran, Selle d'Agneau des Alpes Primeurs du Cap, Rocher de Glace Sauce Framboise, and Friandises. The date "24 Juillet 1973" is noted at the bottom right of the menu card. The background is plain white.
Marc Chagall, Birthday Menu with a Drawing of an Angel, 1973, crayon on menu, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.74

Birthday Menu with a Drawing of an Angel

Marc Chagall · 1973 · crayon on menu ·  Accession ID  2011.60.74

The image showcases an abstract composition with flowing lines and various shapes filled with vibrant colors. The drawing contains a human figure holding a palette, surrounded by colorful patterns resembling flowers or foliage. A whimsical bird-like shape with curved lines is on the left. The artwork is framed by a border of alternating blue rectangles.
Marc Chagall, Self-Portrait at the Easel with a Dove and Bouquets, 1971, watercolor and color crayon on first free endpaper of bound volume, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.89

Self-Portrait at the Easel with a Dove and Bouquets

Marc Chagall · 1971 · watercolor and color crayon on first free endpaper of bound volume ·  Accession ID  2011.60.89

This is a painting of a market scene with a donkey. The image portrays a lively market setting featuring a donkey and various market activities.
Jules Pascin, Havana, c. 1915-1920, watercolor and graphite on paper mounted to paperboard, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.2

Havana

Jules Pascin · c. 1915-1920 · watercolor and graphite on paper mounted to paperboard ·  Accession ID  2011.60.2

The image shows an artistic composition featuring colorful abstract and handwritten elements covering the entire canvas. A loosely sketched face with partial torso in light blue is at the center. Surrounding it are handwritten words in various colors, including "Marc Chagall" in bold blue, and other text in softer colors like green and pink. Above the central text, there are words in a dedication written in cursive. Colorful decorative elements border the canvas, along with a vivid yellow crescent-like shape on the left side.
Marc Chagall, Lovers with Flowers in a Night Sky, 1968, color crayon on title-page of bound volume, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.94

Lovers with Flowers in a Night Sky

Marc Chagall · 1968 · color crayon on title-page of bound volume ·  Accession ID  2011.60.94

The image features a portrait of a person's upper body in a partially seated or reclined position. One arm is raised and the hand is near the shoulder. The person has soft and contemplative facial features, long hair cascading over the shoulder, oval eyes, and pursed lips. The person is wearing a simple, loose garment in muted tones. The background has a soft gradient of pastel colors, primarily blues and greens. There is no visible jewelry or objects being held. The image has an overall painterly and abstract quality. A signature is located in the lower corner.
Jules Pascin, Girl, pastel on wove paper, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.40

Girl

Jules Pascin · · pastel on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2011.60.40

The image displays an abstract composition featuring a large star-like shape with a central winged figure. The background is ethereal blue, and there is a glowing menorah within the star-like shape. Two small crescent moon shapes are also visible. Additionally, there are smaller figures at the bottom right of the image.
Charles Sorlier, The Angel in the Chandelier, 1973, lithographic poster, dry mounted and autographed by Chagall, The John U. and Evelyn S. Nef Collection, 2011.60.35

The Angel in the Chandelier

Charles Sorlier · 1973 · lithographic poster, dry mounted and autographed by Chagall ·  Accession ID  2011.60.35