The artwork titled “After the Flood Noah offering a sacrifice to God (Genesis VIII, 20-22)”, created by Marc Chagall circa 1931 in Paris, France, is an etching on paper that belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This piece measures 30.3 by 24.2 centimeters and is part of the religious painting genre, specifically falling within the “Etchings for the Bible” series that spans the years 1930 to 1939 and 1952 to 1956.
The artwork depicts a scene from the Bible, with Noah expressing his gratitude to God after the flood by offering a sacrifice. In the etching, Noah is seen in a position of deep reverence and humility, bowing low to the ground. Sacrificial animals are illustrated prominently in the center, placed on a stone altar with a tree or bush behind them, signifying the act of offering. The etching’s composition employs stark contrasts, with dark, shaded areas giving way to lighter, highlighted sections, which emphasizes the holy and solemn nature of the moment depicted. The overall effect is one of profound spiritual significance, captured in Chagall’s distinct, naive artistic style.
