“Black Moon,” created in 1965 by Marc Chagall in France, is an exemplary piece of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, classified within the genre of cityscape. The artwork encapsulates the distinctive, dreamlike quality characteristic of Chagall’s work, merging elements of fantasy and everyday life in a rural setting.
The artwork comprises a vibrant, whimsical depiction of a rural scene at night. At the center of the composition, a dark, ominous moon encircled by luminous light contrasts sharply with the colorful, animated figures inhabiting the scene. Trees with lush foliage frame the scene, with two human figures perched on branches, one holding an infant and another in a red garment. Below them, a variety of domed structures evoke a quaint village ambiance. The use of earthy tones and bold outlines creates a harmonious yet surreal atmosphere, capturing the viewer’s imagination and inviting them into Chagall’s fantastical world. The playful and intricate blending of the mundane with the mystical illustrates Chagall’s mastery in conveying profound narratives through seemingly simple and naive visual expressions.
