“Listening to the Cock” is an oil on canvas painting by Marc Chagall, created in 1944 in the United States. This artwork, which belongs to the Cubism movement, measures 92.5 x 74.5 cm and is classified as a genre painting. It is currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The artwork displays a dreamlike, vibrant composition characteristic of Chagall’s style. Dominated by bold hues of red, green, and blues, the painting presents fantastical elements with symbolic imagery. At the center of the piece, a brightly colored rooster with a striking blue head is depicted, surrounded by abstract shapes and mystical forms. Above the rooster, a faintly outlined human figure appears to be engaged in an intimate listening pose, enhancing the narrative suggested by the title. The crescent moon adds a touch of surrealism, while abstractions and fluid lines create a sense of movement and emotion within the painting. Chagall’s use of color and form emphasizes a sense of whimsy and mystery, inviting viewers to delve into the layers of metaphor and story within the scene.
