The artwork entitled “Interior II” is an expressionist oil painting on canvas by artist Marc Chagall, created in 1911 in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation. Measuring 100 by 180 centimeters, it is considered a genre painting and is currently housed within a private collection. This piece exemplifies Chagall’s place within the Expressionism movement, a genre that often conveys subjective emotions and perspectives over realistic depictions.
“Interior II” features an intense, emotionally charged scene with a rich interplay of colors and dynamic forms. A prominent red bull is depicted within an indoor setting, engaged in a direct interaction with a human figure. Chagall uses bold, vigorous brushstrokes to imbue the scene with energy and movement, while the distorted proportions and perspectives are characteristic of Expressionist art, aiming to evoke emotional rather than visual truths. The painting bursts with expressive color juxtapositions and contorted forms, blending elements of the fantastical with everyday life—a common theme in Chagall’s work. The figures and objects seem to be engaging in a mysterious narrative, with the meanings and relationships between them left open to interpretation. The overall effect of the artwork is one of profound emotional impact, emphasizing a dream-like, non-linear quality that invites viewers to explore the depths of the human psyche and the complexities of the world as perceived through Chagall’s unique artistic vision.
