The artwork titled “Moses and his brother come to Pharaoh and claim the freedom for the people of Israel (Exodus, V, 1-4)” was created by Marc Chagall circa 1931 in Paris, France. This etching on paper belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is a religious painting with dimensions of 29.5 x 23.4 cm. It is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible (1930-1939; 1952-1956).
The artwork depicts a biblical scene where Moses and his brother stand before Pharaoh to demand the freedom of the Israelites. The etching employs bold, dynamic lines to create an intense and dramatic atmosphere. Moses, with an assertive posture, raises his hands as he speaks, while his brother stands beside him holding a staff. Pharaoh is portrayed on an elevated platform, exuding authority and disdain. The scene is set against a dark, brooding background that enhances the gravity and solemnity of the moment. The intricacies of the lines and shading underscore Chagall’s distinctive style and his interpretation of this significant biblical narrative.
