In 1980 the publisher Aimé Maeght obtained some especially large lithostones  and asked Chagall to make a few large scale lithographs. The request was very broad in nature, Maeght specifying neither a specific size nor theme for the group. The subject matter was left completely to Chagall. Initially Chagall was a bit reticent, but his desire to please Aimé Maeght spurred him on. Once Chagall grasped the project he became completely absorbed in it, ultimately going far beyond the scope of Maeght’s request. Chagall asked Charles Sorlier for the largest dimensions that the presses were capable of printing and proceeded from there. In the end, the project encompassed fourteen large graceful and poetic lithographs, thirteen of which were printed in vibrant pastel tones, one was printed in black only. “L’Envolée Magique” is one of the finest and most desirable of the color lithographs from this group

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Source: "Andrew Weiss Gallery, 2018"