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Marc Chagall is one of the representatives of the artistic avant-garde of the twentieth century. He was a versatile person: he painted pictures and drew illustrations, was fond of sculpture and ceramics, created stained-glass windows and mosaics, composed poetry, published essays and memoirs.
Creativity became the basis of his life. Yet most people know Mark as an artist.
Now his paintings are sold for big money. Tours and exhibitions break all records for visits, but this was not always the case. Contemporaries could not appreciate the talent of Chagall at its true worth.
Flying people, watches with wings, scenes from the Bible, colorful people – many of his work seemed distant and incomprehensible.
Chagall is Jewish. This fact had a great influence on his work. National temperament, the embodiment of folklore images … He used elements of Jewish interpretation even in the depiction of Christian subjects. But the paintings of Chagall differ from others in a special style.
If you are still not familiar with the work of this artist, we bring to your attention a rating of the most famous paintings by Marc Chagall.
10 White Crucifix (1938)
The original can be seen at the Art Institute of Chicago.. The picture is dedicated to the tragic events that took place in Germany. It was written two weeks after the Jewish pogrom, which was called “Kristallnacht”. Many people died, the Germans destroyed shops and buildings belonging to Jews, the synagogue.
In the center of the picture is Jesus on the crucifix, he is depicted in the Jewish national headdress. On the sides of violent action, the world is destroyed. Above are characters from the Old Testament who could not hold back their tears when they saw what was happening.
Flags of other countries (USSR and Lithuania) are symbols of intolerance towards Jews in these states. This picture is an expression of the torment that befell the people of Chagall. He himself suffered at the hands of the Nazis, in 1933 almost all of his paintings were destroyed.
9. Blue House (1917)
The painting is in the Museum of Fine Arts of Liege (Belgium). The painting is dedicated to Vitebsk, the beloved city of Chagall. This place became for him a symbol of youth and first love.
The landscape is realistic, except for the “protagonist” – the blue house. It is still unclear what Mark wanted to say with this symbol. Many artists believe that in this way he portrayed his longing for Vitebsk.
The city is depicted as a special fantastic place. The artist did not spare saturated colors. Feelings, emotions, love are the basis of the picture. Bright, but they can not be returned, you can only enjoy the memories.
8. Self-portrait with seven fingers (1912-1913)
The canvas is stored in the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam.. Chagall painted himself as a successful fashion artist. At this moment, he is working on his painting “Russia, donkeys and others.” Mark is dressed in fashion, the Eiffel Tower is visible in the window. He is in Paris, but on top is the image of Vitebsk (a schematized landscape – a small green-domed temple).
Chagall has seven fingers. There are two points of view on this matter. Some art historians believe that this means a high speed of writing a picture. Others find in this symbol a reflection of the 7 days of the creation of the world (Bible).
7. Walk (1918)
Location – Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. This is the artist’s most recognizable work. It depicts a couple – Mark and his wife Bella. It is torn off the ground, flies in the sky. The lovers are happy and enjoy each other.
A very romantic painting. Not surprisingly, it was written in the best years of Chagall’s life. He recently got married and had a daughter.
Interesting fact: the painting is part of a triptych. The first “Double Portrait” shows Bella sitting on Mark’s shoulders, preparing to take to the skies. The third – “Above the City” shows two flying lovers.
6. Big Circus (1956)
The painting is in a private collection. Chagall was very fond of the circus and dedicated several paintings to it. This one was written in 1956. The canvas depicts a circus arena. The situation is tense, it is saturated with danger.
A large number of characters, color nuances, a lot of details – it is impossible to take your eyes off her. I want to look at this picture to see everything to the smallest detail.
The performance has long since left the circus, the holiday continues, the audience has become its participants, and some circus performers have even taken to the skies. What does it mean? Perhaps an overabundance of feelings that Chagall felt. He admired the skill of circus performers.
5. Bride with a Fan (1911)
Location – Metropolitan Museum of Art (USA). One of the first paintings by Chagall. Written in Paris. At that time, Mark lived in the “Beehive”, the so-called house where poor poor artists lived. He already knew his future wife, and the picture, of course, is dedicated to her.
A pure, tender bride is an image of Mark’s strong love. It seemed that their happiness was impossible – social inequality. Nevertheless, Chagall got his way and three years later he married Bella.
4. Green violinist (1912-1913)
The painting is housed in the Amsterdam City Museum.. The violinist playing music on the roof is a symbol of the Jews. Not a single important event could do without it: birth, wedding, funeral.
An energetic picture. A riot of colors, a vivid image of a musician, a sense of flight and ordinary everyday life are identified with hope. The artist believes in a bright future.
3. Jubilee (1923)
The painting is in a private collection. In the mid-90s, it was sold for $16 million. Love is also depicted here, but only at home. She has a very beautiful story.
Mark had a birthday. Bella rushed to his house across the city to surprise her beloved. She decorated the room and gave him a bouquet. Bright scarves and flowers – this impulse of the beloved made such a great impression on Chagall that he immediately rushed to the canvas.
The lovers are whirling in a dance of strong feelings, this room is not enough for them, they want to break out of it. Their love is as big as the world.
2. Night (1953)
The painting is held by a private collector.. People who are not versed in art will not immediately understand what the artist wanted to say with this picture. Mysticism – a red rooster, an extraordinary woman, darkness, flight …
Art critics say that “Night” reflects Mark’s longing for Vitebsk. He wrote it upon arrival in Paris after emigrating to the United States. Chagall’s life changed at that moment. Bella has already left him. After the death of his wife, he could not recover for a long time.
Shortly before the creation of the picture, he met his future (second) wife, Valentina Brodskaya. There is an opinion that the canvas conveys the artist’s love for women. She travels in her sleep, she is absolutely free.
The rooster is a symbol of change and anxiety. Mark understood that his life would soon change and was worried about this.
1. Me and the Village (1911)
The painting is in the Museum of Modern Art. She has no narration. These are separate pictures of rural life, gathered together in a circle. What does it mean? Apparently, this is the cycle of life.
In the center of the canvas is Chagall himself and the head of a lamb. The artist looks into his eyes. Upside down houses, a girl upside down, a man with a scythe chasing her are humorous sketches and personal memories of Chagall.
The picture evokes strong emotions, warmth in the soul. This is the yearning of a city dweller for a simple and uncomplicated rural life, for ordinary human happiness.