The Oak and the Reed 1927 - 1930

Marc Chagall made this monochromatic print, "The Oak and the Reed," an illustration of the fables of Jean de la Fontaine. Chagall was a Russian-French artist whose work was deeply informed by his Jewish heritage and the cultural and political upheavals of the 20th century. Here, nature reflects the vulnerabilities of human existence. The oak, a symbol of strength, lies horizontally, fallen, while the delicate reed remains upright. This image powerfully encapsulates themes of resilience, adaptability, and the subversion of traditional power dynamics. It challenges us to reconsider our understanding of strength, vulnerability, and survival in a world marked by constant change and uncertainty. Chagall said, "If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing." In this piece, the emotional weight of history and personal experience intertwines, inviting us to reflect on our own stories of endurance.