Scène biblique c. 1980

Here, in Scène biblique, Marc Chagall uses oil to depict a bustling biblical scene with an array of figures and symbols. The composition is organized in a non-hierarchical manner, challenging traditional perspective and spatial logic. Chagall employs a vibrant palette with blues, reds, and yellows that create a dreamlike atmosphere. The figures are loosely rendered with expressive brushstrokes, contributing to a sense of movement and energy. Note the floating figures, a recurring motif in Chagall's work, which destabilizes established meanings of physical reality and reflects his interest in the subconscious. The painting creates a visual syntax where cultural and personal symbols are intermixed. By not adhering to conventional representation, Chagall invites us to question the boundaries between reality and imagination. The structure and color become tools to explore themes of memory and cultural identity.