The artwork titled “Michal Saves David from Saul” by Marc Chagall, created in 1960 in France, employs the medium of lithography on paper. It is a part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 52.5 x 38 cm. The piece belongs to the “Bible lithographs (1960)” series and is characterized as a religious painting.
The artwork exhibits a distinctly dreamlike quality prevalent in Chagall’s compositions, presenting a narrative scene with two figures that appear to be in motion. The color palette is subdued with hints of muted blues, grays, and touches of pink, creating a nocturnal ambiance that is further emphasized by the crescent moon set high in the background, suggesting a scene taking place at night. The central figures are rendered with the trademark simplicity and stylistic distortions characteristic of Chagall’s approach to form, showing a fluidity and expressiveness in the portrayal of the human body. One figure appears to be assisting the other out of a window, a dramatic moment that is likely conveying the biblical story of Michal helping her husband David escape from her father Saul’s plot against his life.
The scene captures the urgency and tension of the narrative, while also maintaining a sense of mystical serenity that is often found in Chagall’s depictions of biblical themes. The inclusion of plant life and architectural elements helps to contextualize the characters within a specific setting, although these are also depicted with a certain whimsicality in line with the artist’s representation of the physical world being intertwined with the spiritual or dreamlike realm. Chagall’s signature appears at the bottom right, marking the work as an authentic piece within his larger oeuvre. This artwork is a testament to Chagall’s capacity to blend his personal style with traditional storytelling, creating works that are both individual and reflective of broader cultural narratives.
