The artwork titled “Study to ‘Jacob Wrestling with the Angel’,” created by Marc Chagall circa 1963 in France, is a notable piece in the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Rendered using gouache, Indian ink, pastel, and paper, this religious painting measures 41.5 x 32 cm. It artistically encapsulates the biblical narrative of Jacob wrestling with the angel.
In the artwork, Chagall employs a rich palette dominated by shades of blue, which imbues the scene with a mystical and ethereal atmosphere. The central figures of Jacob and the angel are portrayed in a dynamic, almost surreal manner, characteristic of Chagall’s unique style. The angel, depicted with outspread wings, appears to be hovering over Jacob, who clings to him with a sense of desperation and resolve. The surrounding elements include various indistinct figures and symbols that enhance the spiritual and otherworldly quality of the scene. The fluidity of the lines and the dream-like composition reflect Chagall’s deep engagement with religious themes and his ability to convey complex emotions through his art.
