The artwork titled “Josue and the stone of Sichem” was created by Marc Chagall around 1931 in Paris, France. It is an etching with watercolor on paper, representative of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This piece measures 30.5 x 24 cm and belongs to the genre of religious painting. Additionally, it is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible” which was developed between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork depicts a religious scene in a detailed and expressive manner characteristic of Chagall’s style. In this etching, a figure in traditional robes, presumed to be Josue (Joshua), is shown holding a tablet or book, possibly signifying the commandments or another holy text. The figure is positioned near a stone, which carries significant symbolic resonance in the biblical context. The composition is enriched with the use of watercolor, adding depth and highlighting the importance of the moment depicted.
