The artwork, titled “Hannah prays to the Lord for a son who will be Samuel (I Samuel, I, 9-11),” was masterfully executed by Marc Chagall around 1956 in France. Rendered through the delicate medium of etching on paper, it belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Measuring 27.3 x 23.3 cm, this religious painting is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series, created between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork portrays the biblical narrative of Hannah fervently praying to the Lord for a son, a petition that ultimately results in the birth of Samuel. The scene captures an earnest moment of devotion, with Hannah depicted in a posture of supplication. To her side, a young child and animals, including two calves, are intricately etched, contributing to the pastoral ambiance of the scene. Emanating a profound sense of piety and hope, Chagall’s etching encapsulates the essence of this spiritual plea, with the meticulously detailed strokes typical of his style.
