The artwork “Moses receiving the Tablets of Law” by Marc Chagall, completed around 1963 in France, is an exemplary piece from the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Rendered in Indian ink and pencil on paper, the religious painting measures 33 x 32.7 cm. The piece illustrates a key biblical moment where Moses is depicted receiving the Tablets of Law.
In the artwork, the dominant figure of Moses, characterized by his distinctive blue beard and flowing white robe, occupies the central foreground. His hands are outstretched, reaching for the inscribed tablets being handed to him from an ethereal figure above, possibly symbolizing divine intervention. The background is saturated with a vibrant yellow hue, creating a striking contrast against the darker, expressive lines that define the figures. Surrounding Moses, various onlookers and possibly angelic beings occupy the scene, adding to the narrative depth by observing and reacting to this momentous event. The composition is dynamic, teeming with movement and emotion, encapsulating the spiritual significance of the biblical episode. Chagall’s style employs simple, almost childlike forms with bold outlines and expressive, vivid colors, true to the Naïve Art movement’s characteristics.
