The artwork entitled “Lilies of the Valley,” created by Marc Chagall in 1916 in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, is an exemplar of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Executed with oil on cardboard, the still life painting measures 42 by 33.5 centimeters and is presently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork features an arrangement of lilies of the valley, prominently displayed in a bouquet with vibrant green foliage and delicate white flowers. The blooms are positioned in a basket-like container, which is adorned with large pink camellias or similar flowers. The background portrays an interior setting, characterized by muted, cool tones and framed pictures that blend subtly into the surrounding walls. The piece’s composition evokes a sense of simplicity and innocence, characteristics that are hallmarks of Chagall’s foray into the Naïve Art style. The use of bold colors and confident brushstrokes reflects the artist’s unique approach to still life, transforming a simple floral arrangement into a vivid and intimate tableau.
