The artwork titled “Joshua closes the book of Law that he has just read to the people of Israel (Joshua, VIII, 33-35)” is an etching on paper created circa 1956 by Marc Chagall in France. This piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and falls within the religious painting genre. Measuring 30.1 x 23.6 cm, it is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series produced between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork depicts a somber moment where Joshua, a significant biblical figure, is seen closing the book of Law after reading it to the people of Israel. Chagall’s distinctive etching style illustrates Joshua prominently in the foreground, characterized by expressive lines and an air of solemnity. In the background, groups of people are rendered with Chagall’s characteristic simplicity and emotional depth, conveying a sense of collective reverence and attentiveness. The scene emphasizes both the gravity and the communal aspect of the act, capturing a pivotal moment of religious significance.
