L’Arc ou Acrobate au cheval rouge 1927

Marc Chagall made "L’Arc ou Acrobate au cheval rouge" with gouache and pastel on paper. The rough texture of the paper support is evident, especially within the saturated red of the horse. Chagall’s technique embraces visible strokes and blended colors, contributing to the dreamy, ethereal quality of the work. Pastel, a medium composed of pure pigment, lends itself to this effect, as it allows for rich color without the slickness of oil paint. Gouache, an opaque watercolor, offers a similar matte finish. Chagall's choice of materials and techniques underscores his break from academic art traditions. The immediacy of pastel and gouache allowed him to capture fleeting moments, much like a sketch, yet with the intensity of a finished painting. The circus subject matter, combined with the vibrant, almost childlike application of color, further removes the work from the realm of high art and places it in a more accessible, playful space. The overall effect is one of spontaneity and joy. The materials and processes, while simple, are used to their fullest potential, enhancing the whimsical nature of the scene.