The artwork, titled “Artist over Vitebsk,” was created by Marc Chagall in approximately 1977 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece measures 65 x 92 cm and belongs to the Surrealism art movement. It depicts a cityscape and is currently part of a private collection.
The artwork is characterized by its vibrant, dreamlike quality, typical of Chagall’s surrealistic style. The scene is set in Vitebsk, rendered in a mesmerizing amalgamation of colors that evoke a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. On the left, a couple is depicted in an embrace, floating above a bouquet of flowers that stands in a vase, embodying themes of love and connection. Central to the composition is the town of Vitebsk, whose serene, homely structures form the backdrop. Above these buildings hovers a red-hued creature, adding an element of fantasy. On the right, an artist, presumably a representation of Chagall himself, is depicted painting, bridging the real and the surreal. The entire piece emanates a warm, encompassing glow, with elements harmoniously interwoven to convey a sense of cultural memory infused with personal symbolism.
