Marc Chagall's Three Candles, meaning and copyright...?

Question

I want to use Marc Chagall's "Three Candles" for some printed invitations, not for resale. It is certainly within 50 years of his death, though am wondering if it makes a difference for personal use... I live in Australia.

Also I see a lot of warmth and love in this painting, though I am told it was intended to convey protection from harm, and isolation... Can anyone comment?

Answer 1

You can just use it. You have grasped the concept of what is needed to 'evade' copyright infringement.

Have a nice party. ;-)

On the meaning of the painting: Many have stated their opinion.....I personally believe it is about marriage. Not the concept but the feeling that two people share that makes them want to share the rest of their life together. Even the fear for the future and the reassurance that "we two will make it", I can see in this wonderful painting.

Answer 2

I love Chagall's works. To me, this painting radiates happiness and spirituality; the background emulates the young couple's loving tenderness towards one another. I can see protection but not isolation, except, perhaps, the special bonding the young couple have for each other, which will never be broken. Check out this website:
http://www.chagallpaintings.org/index.html
It's wonderful! (Have you ever seen, 'I and the Village'? It's so happy! I just love it.)

There shouldn't be any problem with using the illustration for your invitations. Give credit to Chagall, of course. It would be different if you were going to sell a copy of the painting.

Answer 3

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/ayiBT

In general, Chagall's inclusion of farm animals into his paintings allude to his memories of childhood. In particular, visits to an uncle on a farm where he knew every animal by name. Many of Chagall's paintings include farmyard references such as to his childhood in Vitebsk, alongside images of Paris. The goat is a Jewish symbol for the day of atonement - a feast when the sins of the people were once symbolically expiated ( Leviticus X!V) by tying a red ribbon (rep. the sins)around the neck of a goat and casting him out into the wilderness to die. (After the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, a rooster or hen was used for this purpose instead). See painting on this subject by William Holman Hunt. It is most probable, that Chagall used this image with both these ideas in mind.

Answer 4

Try the website, http://www.directartaustralia.com.au They deal in reproduction art and should be able to tell you.