The artwork titled “Circus” by Marc Chagall, created circa 1980 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, is an oil painting on canvas. This piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, a style characterized by a simplistic and childlike portrayal of subjects. It measures 100 x 81 cm and is classified within the genre of genre painting. The artwork is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork vividly captures the lively and fantastical ambiance of a circus. Dominated by vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple, it depicts a surreal, dreamlike scene where performers and audience members are integrated into a whimsical, colorful spectacle. A couple is poised in the center of the ring, seemingly engrossed in their act, while ethereal figures are engaged in various performances around them. Above, acrobats swing through the air under a radiant, celestial sun, contributing to the magical and otherworldly atmosphere. The audience, sketched in an impressionistic manner, adds to the sense of wonder and enchantment inherent in the circus environment. Chagall’s distinctive style and bold use of color emphasize the joyous and celebratory essence of the scene.
