The illustration titled “Illustration for Jewish folk tale ‘The Goat'” was created by the artist El Lissitzky in 1919. It belongs to the Naïve Art movement, more specifically Primitivism, and serves as an illustration for a story. The artwork is indicative of Lissitzky’s approach to avant-garde design, which often involved a fusion of traditional folk motifs and contemporary artistic ideas.
In the image, there’s a prominent archway which is adorned with Hebrew text. Below this arch, there are several figures and objects arranged in a somewhat abstract manner. To the left, there’s a character who appears to be looking through a window or a similar frame, holding what might be a candlestick, which is casting a shadow on the wall. The person has a prominent elongated nose and appears intrigued or thoughtful.
In the center of the artwork stands another character with exaggerated facial features and an emphasized smile. This figure is shown in a profile view, with part of the body extending through an open door, suggesting movement or transition.
On the right side of the image lies a third character, possibly reclined or lying down on the ground, with a nondescript facial expression and eyes closed, which might suggest sleep or rest. Beside this character is a depiction of a black goat, which is likely a central element of the folk tale the illustration is intended for.
The color palette is somewhat muted, with earth tones and shades of orange, brown, and black dominating the composition. The use of geometric shapes and the stylization of the figures are typical of Lissitzky’s graphic design and artistic sensibility, which often strived to combine simplicity with symbolic meaning. The overall feeling is one that successfully blends narrative elements with a distinctive aesthetic that requires interpretation, engaging the viewer with both the tale and the unique visual language.
