Marc Chagall, a prominent Russian artist of the 20th century, was greatly influenced by the Russian painting style during his studies under Leon Bakst. His earlier works, such as ‘Hommage Apollinaire’ and ‘The Fiddler’, showcased his ability to recollect childhood memories through painting. As his career progressed, Chagall expanded his artistic creations to include illustrations, stained glass designs, and tapestries. His stunning designs can be seen in notable locations such as the new Parliament in Jerusalem and the Grand Opera in Paris. After fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, Chagall settled in the United States and expressed his experiences through works depicting Jewish martyrs and refugees. Known for his innovative painting style influenced by Fauvism and Cubism, Chagall is considered a pioneer of modernism and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Grand-Croix de la Legion d’honneur from the Government of France.
Quick Facts
- French Celebrities Born In July
- Also Known As: Marc Zakharovich Chagall, Moishe Shagal
- Died At Age: 97
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Bella Rosenfeld (m. 1915–1944), Valentina Brodsky (m. 1952–1985)
- Children: David McNeil, Ida Chagall
- Born Country: France
- Died on: March 28, 1985
- Place of death: Saint Paul de Vence, France
- Ancestry: Belarusian French
- Quotes By Marc Chagall
- Artists
Childhood & Early Life
Marc Chagall, born as Moishe Segal, was the eldest of nine children of Khatskl Shagal and Feige-Ite. He was born into a Lithuanian Jewish family in Liozna, Belarus. Chagall received his early education at a Jewish elementary school and later studied at a public school. He began working as a photo-retoucher at the photo studio of Meshchanivov in Vitebsk. During this time, he also served as a cantor’s assistant at the Zarechenskaya synagogue in Vitebsk and learned to play the violin. He briefly studied painting under Yehuda Pen in Vitebsk before moving to St. Petersburg in 1907.
Career
In St. Petersburg, Chagall studied art under Nicolai Roerich at the Imperial Society of Art Supporters. He also took painting lessons from Leon Bakst and Mstislav Doboujinsky. In 1910, he moved to Paris where he worked for Russian-Jewish lawyer Maxim Vinaver. During his time in Paris, he came into contact with influential figures such as A. Salmon, M. Jacob, and Robert Delaunay. It was during this period that he became acquainted with new artistic styles such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Surrealism.
Chagall visited Germany in 1914 and became familiar with the artistic experiments of Wassily Kandinsky. He organized his first solo show in Berlin’s Strum gallery before returning to Russia due to the outbreak of World War I. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, he served as the Commissar of Arts in Vitebsk Province and played an active role in organizing the Vitebsk Art School. He also taught at this school.
In 1920, Chagall moved to Moscow and became the Art Director of the Moscow Jewish Theatre. During his tenure, he designed the stage decoration for the production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” showcasing his innovative use of surrealism. However, due to internal troubles in Russia, he left the country in 1923 and settled in Paris. He became a naturalized French citizen in 1937.
During his time in Paris, Chagall designed decorations for ballets and operas. He also created sculptures, ceramics, and stained glass. His work on stained glass windows can be seen in several Catholic and Protestant cathedrals in France, Switzerland, and Germany. In 1941, he fled to New York to escape the German occupation of Paris and lived there until 1947. He then returned to Europe and settled in Provence, France in 1950.
In his later years, Chagall exhibited his works in renowned museums and galleries such as the Louvre and Petit Palais in Paris. He also created the America Windows as a gesture of gratitude towards the United States for providing shelter to his family during World War II. Chagall passed away at the age of 97 in Saint-Paul de Vence, France.
Major Works
One of Chagall’s notable works is his stained glass windows, which showcase his innovative creativity in combining fresh colors and natural light. The windows of Metz Cathedral in France are a testament to his exceptional work in stained glass. He also designed three tapestries for the state hall of the Knesset in Israel, along with 12 floor mosaics and a wall mosaic.
Personal Life & Legacy
Chagall married Bella Rosenfeld in 1915, and they had a daughter named Ida. Bella served as the model for his famous series of paintings depicting passionate flying figures. Bella passed away in 1944. Chagall remarried Valentina Brodsky in 1952 and dedicated his last painting, titled “Job,” to all disabled people around the world. He passed away at the age of 97 in Saint-Paul de Vence, France.
Trivia
Chagall designed a stained-glass window called “Peace” in honor of Dag Hammarskjold, the UN’s second secretary-general. The window features symbols of love, peace, and musical symbols.