“Madonna of the Village,” an oil painting on canvas created by Marc Chagall between 1938 and 1942 while residing in the United States, is a notable work in the Surrealism art movement. This religious painting, measuring 102.5 by 98 cm, is housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork prominently features surreal and dreamlike elements typical of Chagall’s distinctive style. Central to the painting are the figures of Madonna and Child, depicted in a serene and ethereal manner. They occupy the right side of the composition, with the Madonna clad in white and gently holding the Child. Surrounding them are angels rendered in vibrant hues, adding a sense of divine presence and celestial ambiance. Below, a village scene unfurls, characterized by darkened, earth-toned buildings that contrast starkly against the heavenly figures above. The background blends a spectrum of colors, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that bridges the earthly and the divine realms. The juxtaposition of the village, Madonna, and celestial beings conveys a sense of spiritual unity and transcendence, encapsulating religious and surreal themes that define Chagall’s oeuvre.
