Marc Chagall I and the Village Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall “I and the Village”

Marc Chagall § Many artists tell stories through their paintings and drawings. § Marc Chagall (pronounced sha gahl) painted stories that make people feel happy when they look at them.

Chagall was born in 1887 in Vitepsk. This is a small Russian—Jewish village. His family was very poor and worked very hard.

§ Chagall started drawing after he saw a picture a classmate had drawn. § The more Chagall drew, the more he wanted to be an artist. § He begged his mother to take him to an artist’s studio. The artist said that Chagall had talent, so he taught him how to paint.

Fantastic Art § Marc Chagall is famous for his “Fantastic Art” style. “Fantastic Art” is similar to Surrealism because it has a dream-like quality. § It’s a mixture of Cubism and imagination influenced by childhood memories, folklore, and country life. § Can you find some Cubist elements in this work by Chagall?

Here’s some work by Marc Chagall: § Marc often puts pictures of himself and people he cared about in his paintings.

§ Often the love he had for his wife was the subject of his art.

§ Many times Marc would put the important pieces at the top of his paintings. Sometimes it looks like they can fly!

Sometimes his work looks like a collage.

I and the Village § This painting is probably one of the best examples of Marc Chagall’s style. § It’s a self portrait—can you tell me what you see in this painting? § What does it say about his life?

Review Question § Marc Chagall’s paintings often had a dreamlike quality. What is that style of art called? § What kinds of objects did you find in Marc Chagall’s paintings? § Who are important people you would put in your own version of I and the Village?