The artwork, “Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh,” created by Marc Chagall in 1931 in Paris, France, is a religious painting executed using gouache and oil on paper. With dimensions of 62 x 49 cm, this piece is part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The scene portrays a solemn and poignant moment of blessing, characterized by a heartfelt expression of familial and spiritual connection.
The artwork depicts an elder figure, dressed in flowing robes, gently laying hands on two kneeling individuals, possibly Ephraim and Manasseh. The elder’s serene visage conveys a deep spiritual presence, while the two figures receiving the blessing seem humbled and reverent. Another figure, standing behind the elder with a distressed posture, adds an emotional depth to the scene. The soft brushstrokes and muted color palette reflect Chagall’s characteristic style, blending elements of mysticism and tenderness, encapsulating the profound religious significance of the moment. The sparse background, dominated by a window on the right, focuses attention on the intimate human interactions, emphasizing the narrative’s sacred and introspective nature.
