The Woodman and Mercury 1927 - 1930

Marc Chagall created this black and white print, "The Woodman and Mercury" as part of his illustrations for the Fables of La Fontaine. Chagall, a Russian-French artist with Jewish heritage, often infused his works with personal and cultural symbols reflecting his identity and experiences. This print portrays a woodman in distress, while the god Mercury descends with an axe in hand. Chagall’s compositions often explore themes of displacement and cultural identity, born from his own experiences as an immigrant navigating different cultural landscapes. The dark tones and surreal imagery can be seen as mirroring the emotional weight of these themes. The fable itself comments on honesty and the perceived rewards, or punishments, of such values. The artist's unique style creates a dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Chagall once said, "I am not a literary painter," emphasizing his focus on emotional expression over narrative. The artwork then, is not just an illustration, but also an exploration of personal identity and cultural heritage.