Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was commissioned by the city of Frankfurt to paint a work for the, then, new building housing two theatres on Willy-Brandt-Platz – he finished his Commedia dell'Arte 1959. The painting and 14 sketches were hung in the Chagallsaal, a beautiful foyer sandwiched between Oper and Schauspiel Frankfurt. Commedia dell'Arte, which measures 2x3 m, was taken away to be restored and then lent to several exhibitions before being returned in 2008. The original sketches, which have also been restored, were hung in the Frankfurter Ikonen Museum. Copies of these sketches were delivered and hung for all to see on January 24th. But, don’t worry, the painting is original and will remain on display to visitors to Oper and Schauspiel Frankfurt.

The painting and sketches belong to the Adolf and Luisa Haeuser Foundation for the Arts and Upkeep of the Arts in Frankfurt am Main. The Foundation very generously paid for reproductions of all 14 sketches. They were produced by Henrich Druck + Medien. The Chagallsaal (1st floor) is (usually, sometimes private functions take place there) open to people attending a performance.