The artwork titled “Circumcision prescribed by God to Abraham (Genesis, XVII, 10)” was created by Marc Chagall around the year 1956 in France. Pertaining to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, this religious painting is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series, produced between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956. The artwork measures approximately 30.4 x 24.2 cm.
The artwork portrays a biblical scene featuring Abraham, depicted in deep, textured etching, holding a child on his lap and performing the circumcision. The figures are captured with a raw, almost primitive style characteristic of the Naïve Art movement. To the right, a woman, perhaps Sarah, looks on with noticeable emotional investment, her expression painted in a mix of apprehension and reverence. The scene’s overall ambiance is solemn, emphasizing the gravity and divine sanction of the ritual being performed. The use of contrasting dark and light tones accentuates the spiritual and historical depth inherent in the artwork’s subject matter.
