L’hiver 1966

Marc Chagall conjured this vibrant image, “L’hiver,” with what looks like oil on canvas. The paint has a lovely texture, not too thick, just enough to catch the light. I imagine Chagall starting with that deep, dark ground, then letting those figures float up – a woman with flowers, a spectral horse, and musicians, all awash in a dreamlike winter glow. I love how the paint seems to dance across the surface, especially in the woman’s bouquet. It’s like a burst of memory, the colors so vivid against the dark. That red figure playing the flute—his green hands against the instrument—what’s that about? It’s so strange and wonderful, like a half-remembered folk tale. There’s a kinship here with other painters of his generation. Chagall reminds us that painting isn't just about seeing, it’s about feeling, remembering, and imagining. It's a visual poem where every stroke is a verse.