The artwork titled “Man at Table” was created by Marc Chagall in 1911 in Paris, France. This oil on canvas piece belongs to the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre painting category. The painting depicts a man seated at a table, engaged in a scene filled with intense emotional expression, characteristic of the Expressionist movement.
In the artwork, the man is prominently positioned leaning over a brightly colored red table. He holds a glass and appears to be in a somewhat disconcerted state of mind, highlighted by his wide, expressive eyes and open mouth, suggesting anxiety or bewilderment. On the table there are various items including a bottle of wine, a glass of red wine, and a plate with food, suggestive of a mealtime setting. A white cat nestles beside him, its form sharply contrasting with the dark clothing of the man, further intensifying the emotional tone of the scene. The background is filled with faint outlines of additional figures and objects, adding depth and context to the intimate, yet chaotic atmosphere. The use of vivid, contrasting colors and dynamic brushstrokes reinforces the emotional intensity and psychological depth of the painting, hallmarks of Chagall’s Expressionist approach.
