LE CIRQUE VERT 1973

“The freer the soul, the more abstract painting becomes.” Le Cirque Vert (The Green Circus) is a fantastically vibrant oil painting by the Russian, Belarusian, and French modern artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985). The painting makes use of Chagall’s iconic signature whimsical themes and dreamlike motifs. In a bold colour palette dominated by bright green with pops of striking red and purple, Le Cirque Vert (1973) depicts a magical carnival scene. An acrobat poses atop a large green horse which floats across the canvas. In front of the horse stand two distorted figures, clothed in the theatrical costumes of circus performers. This playful and childlike imagery, alongside the dazzling colours, evokes a sense of joy. Here, Chagall has successfully infused fantasy into cubism and abstraction. This painting is one of many completed by Chagall on the theme of the circus. Chagall discovered a great love for the circus at a young age, which stemmed from the time he spent watching travelling troupes who often toured through his childhood village. Le Cirque Vert conjures excitement and joy in the mind of the viewer. The painting serves as a reminder that art does not always have to be serious or profound. Chagall’s light-hearted work has proved popular with critics and art lovers alike. What do you think? Should art always deal with serious themes? Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham