The artwork, “Ahasuerus sends Vasthi away,” created by Marc Chagall in 1960 in France, is a lithograph on paper. Part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, the piece measures 52.5 x 38 cm and belongs to the religious painting genre. This artwork is part of Chagall’s “Bible lithographs (1960)” series.
“Ahasuerus sends Vasthi away” vividly captures a dramatic biblical scene. The artwork employs a dark, moody palette that enhances the gravity of the moment depicted. On the left side, Ahasuerus, adorned in regal attire, stands with a stern expression while several figures surround him, possibly his advisors or court members. The composition directs attention towards Vasthi on the right, who is portrayed in a graceful, almost ethereal manner, bowing or retreating with an air of sorrow and resignation. The intricate details and flowing lines characteristic of Chagall’s style interweave to convey both the narrative and the emotional intensity of the scene.
