Virginia Haggard, Lover of Marc Chagall & their Son, David

Virginia Haggard was the daughter of a former British consul in the U.S. When they met, Chagall was 58 years old, Virginia – 30. The artist could not help but appreciate the refined beauty of a young woman. She soon became Chagall’s lover and in 1946 they had a son David.
The only son of Marc Chagall – David McNeill, last name of Virginia’s husband, i.e., McNeill.

Whirlwind romance enlivened Chagall and this period has become one of the most successful in his career. New creations, exhibitions, publications, solemn meeting … In 1951, Virginia finally divorced from McNeil left Chagall for a Belgian photographer. She took her son and gave up 18 works by the artist, donated to her at different times, leaving for herself just two of his drawings. Virginia moved to Belgium, where she lived until her death in 2006. Illegitimate son of Chagall and Virginia – David McNeil was a singer and composer, who lived in Paris.

In 1986, after the death of the artist, Haggard reminded the world about her role in his life and published a book of memoirs, “My Life with Chagall. Seven years of plenty.” The book gave tribute to the great artist.

Original silver print 14 x 11 with Halsman's stamp on the reverse. No date.