The artwork titled “Jacob wrestling with the angel” was created by Marc Chagall around the year 1931 in Paris, France. It is an etching on paper, measuring 30 x 24 cm and is associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This piece falls under the genre of religious painting and forms part of the series “Etchings for the Bible” that Chagall worked on between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of Jacob wrestling with an angel, a subject inspired by the passage in Genesis 32:24-30. In this etching, Chagall’s characteristic style is evident, featuring simplified forms and expressive figures that personify the profound spiritual struggle. The composition, executed in monochromatic tones, emphasizes the intense physical and emotional interaction between Jacob and the angel. Jacob is shown in a dynamic stance, gripping the angel’s body firmly, with an expression of both determination and reverence, while the angel exudes a gentle yet powerful presence, their wings softly articulated behind them. The background is rendered minimally, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the central dramatic encounter. This portrayal embodies Chagall’s unique ability to convey complex spiritual narratives through a blend of folkloric imagery and modernist techniques.
