The artwork “Cain and Abel” was created by Marc Chagall in 1911 in Paris, France. It is executed in gouache on cardboard and belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. As a religious painting, it depicts the biblical story of the first two sons of Adam and Eve. This artwork is currently held in a private collection.
In “Cain and Abel,” Chagall employs a primitive and direct style to convey the intensity of the biblical narrative. The composition features two figures, with Cain poised in a threatening stance behind Abel, who appears to be in despair or defenseless. The figures are simplified and expressively distorted, characteristic of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, emphasizing emotional and symbolic content over realistic representation. The background of the artwork is abstract, dominated by earthy tones and patterns, which contribute to the overall dramatic and poignant atmosphere of the scene. The artwork captures a moment of profound human emotion and conflict, rooted in a timeless and archetypal story.
