The artwork, titled “Jacob sees in a dream a ladder touching the sky, in which the angels of God ascending and descending (Genesis, XXVIII, 14),” is an etching on paper created by Marc Chagall around 1956 in France. This piece measures 30 x 24.8 cm and is a part of the series “Etchings for the Bible” produced between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956. The artwork is associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and falls within the genre of religious painting.
The etching depicts Jacob, presumably in a state of slumber, with his head rested upon the ground, eyes closed in deep dream. Towering above him is a ladder that stretches upward, touching the sky, illustrated with faintly glowing lines suggesting divine light. On this ladder, a procession of angels is shown ascending and descending, rendered in soft, flowing forms that contrast with the solid structure of the ladder. The composition creates a sublime and mystical ambiance, reflecting the biblical narrative with simplicity yet profound impact. The use of monochromatic shades evokes a sense of timelessness and spiritual contemplation, radiant with Chagall’s distinctive style, blending whimsical innocence with profound theological themes.
