The book "Ma vie" by Marc Chagall in French, translated by Bella Chagall

The book is a guide to designing electric lighting and electrical distribution of mechanical energy in residential buildings and other illuminated buildings. A manual for students and engineers by M.A. Chatelain. St. Petersburg, Edition by K.L. Rikker, 1901

The manual was published in St. Petersburg in 1901 and was intended for students and Marc Chagall, a Russian and French artist of Jewish origin, is considered the brightest representative of the avant-garde of the 20th century. His illustrations to the Bible are rightfully considered to be among the artist's most famous works. It was in it that Chagall drew inspiration for his paintings for many years.

It is noteworthy that throughout his career, Chagall, unlike other avant-garde artists, tried to stay away from artistic trends and all sorts of "isms". In the book "My Life" he wrote: "I'm not sure that theory is such a boon for art. Impressionism and Cubism are equally alien to me. In my opinion, art is primarily a state of mind."

Chagall began writing the book in Petrograd during the First World War, and some chapters were added in Berlin in the early 1920s. At the same time, 20 etching illustrations were printed. The book was finished upon arrival in Paris. Marc Chagall's "My Life" was published in many countries, and then in Russia.