“Jacob Weeps Over Joseph’s Tunic,” painted by Marc Chagall in 1931 in Paris, France, is a poignant religious painting rendered in gouache, oil, and paper. Belonging to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, the artwork measures 64.5 x 48 cm and captures an emotional biblical scene.
The artwork depicts the grief-stricken figure of Jacob, engulfed in sorrow as he holds Joseph’s tunic, symbolizing the mistaken belief of his son’s death. Surrounding Jacob are other figures, likely his sons, offering solemn expressions of comfort and dismay, enhancing the overall pathos of the scene. The visceral brushstrokes and Chagall’s distinctive style convey a powerful narrative, rooted in familial bonds and divine trials. The muted, earthy palette further emphasizes the somber mood, creating a vivid portrayal of despair and mourning within the spiritual context.
