The Stag Viewing Himself in the Stream 1927 - 1930

This is an etching by Marc Chagall called The Stag Viewing Himself in the Stream. Imagine him, the artist, taking a metal plate, covering it in wax, and then drawing into it with a sharp needle. It’s a scene of quiet contemplation; the stag pauses by the water's edge to gaze at his reflection, but it's also a landscape of tangled lines and textures. I wonder what Chagall was thinking as he made this print? Maybe it’s about self-awareness, or the way nature mirrors our inner selves. See the way the lines around the water swirl, almost like thoughts or dreams made visible. Look at the reflection, how it’s both there and not there, solid yet ephemeral, like the memory of a dream. Chagall plays with light and dark, creating a sense of depth and mystery. It reminds me of other artists who used printmaking to explore fantastical worlds, like Odilon Redon or even some of the German Expressionists. Ultimately, this print is an invitation to reflect on ourselves, our place in the world, and the beauty of fleeting moments.