The artwork entitled “Banquet degenerates into brawl,” created by Marc Chagall around 1923 in Paris, France, is an etching on paper that reflects the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This illustration is part of the “Dead souls” series and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a chaotic and lively scene where a formal banquet has descended into disarray and conflict. The etching features a collection of figures engaged in various animated and exaggerated actions, capturing a sense of movement and disorder. The characters, drawn with a whimsical and somewhat primitive style, appear to be involved in a frenzied dance or brawl, with some figures in mid-air and others contorted in dramatic poses. The background is filled with architectural elements, contributing to the sense of a communal gathering. Through this intricate yet playful composition, the artist evokes a sense of both humor and critique, typical of the Naïve Art movement’s approach to depicting human folly and societal norms.
