In the artwork titled “Jacob leaves his country and his family to go to Egypt (Genesis XLVI, 5-7),” created by Marc Chagall around 1956 in France, the medium used is etching on paper. This piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 30.6 x 24.2 cm. The genre of the artwork is religious painting and it is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible” which was worked on between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork portrays a significant biblical scene wherein Jacob departs with his family and belongings to Egypt, as depicted in Genesis 46:5-7. Dominating the composition is Jacob, who is seated atop a camel, symbolizing his role as the patriarch. Surrounding him, a large entourage of family members and possibly servants, depicted in a crowded and dynamic manner, suggests a significant movement and migration. The figures are rendered in a simplistic and almost child-like style characteristic of Naïve Art, with expressive faces and gestures that convey the gravity and determination of their journey. The etching technique used by Chagall imparts a textured, monochromatic quality to the scene, giving it a contemplative and timeless feel. The background, albeit minimal, includes a hill and a solitary tree, providing a contextual anchor to the otherwise busy foreground. The artwork captures a poignant moment of transition and displacement, reflective of the biblical narrative’s themes of faith and perseverance.
