The artwork named “Bella and Ida by the Window” was created by Marc Chagall in 1916 in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation. This piece, executed in oil on canvas, measures 56 by 45 cm and belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It is categorized as a genre painting and is currently housed in a private collection.
In the artwork, one observes a serene domestic scene set in a modest, yet vividly colored room. A woman, presumably Bella, sits by the window, cradling an infant, who is likely Ida. The window, partially draped with curtains, reveals an inviting view of the outdoors, where one can see a gently sloping landscape under a cloudy sky. A vase of flowers stands on the windowsill, adding an element of quiet beauty to the scene. The strong, simplified lines and the use of rich, deep colors are characteristic of Chagall’s style, embodying the sentimentality and innocence typical of Naïve Art. The tranquil interaction between the mother and child contrasts with the larger, more imposing elements of the window and the scenery beyond, creating a poignant balance between the intimate and the expansive.
