Chagall

Marc Chagall, born Moishe Shagal on July 7, 1887, in Vitebsk, then part of the Russian Empire (now Belarus), and died March 28, 1985, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, was a Belarusian-French artist whose paintings are among the most celebrated of the 20th century. A leading figure of modern art, his work draws on Jewish folk culture, Russian village life, and biblical themes, combining dreamlike imagery, vibrant color, and floating figures. His subjects range from lovers and circus performers to biblical scenes and village musicians, often rendered with whimsy and spiritual symbolism. Styles and influences in his work include elements drawn from Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism, though he resisted easy labels, pursuing his own poetic language.

Chagall studied and began his career in Vitebsk, and moved to Paris in 1910, where he became associated with the Parisian avant-garde. He spent periods living in France and, during World War II, in the United States. After the war he divided his time between France and other countries. He produced not only paintings but also prints, drawings, and a large body of public works, including stained glass, mosaics, tapestries, and ceramics, often executed on a monumental scale.

Chagall's work is widely represented in major museums; the Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice preserves a substantial collection, and his works are held by museums worldwide. Public commissions and installations in churches, synagogues, and public spaces further extended his influence beyond the gallery.