The artwork titled “Jerusalem has been freed from Babylon, according to the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah, XIV, 1 7)” was created by Marc Chagall around 1956 in France. This etching on paper belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 32.6 x 24.1 cm. The piece is a religious artwork and is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible” (1930-1939; 1952-1956).
The artwork depicts a celestial and terrestrial scene, delineating the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy. In the upper portion, an angelic figure, characterized by large, serene wings, is shown embracing or guiding a bearded man with a peaceful countenance. This scene appears to be symbolic of divine intervention. Below, the cityscape of Jerusalem is rendered with a crowd gathered at its base, suggesting a sense of communal relief or celebration. The etching technique employed by Chagall adds a textural complexity to the artwork, enhancing its spiritual and historical dimensions.
