“Moses called the elders and presents Tablets of Law,” created by Marc Chagall in 1966 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, is a notable work within the art movement of Naïve Art (Primitivism). This religious painting, part of the series “The Story of the Exodus (1966),” utilizes the medium of lithography on paper. The dimensions of the artwork are 49.7 x 36.9 cm.
This artwork depicts a significant biblical scene featuring Moses presenting the Tablets of Law to the elders. The upper section of the piece is dominated by a radiant depiction of Moses holding the tablets as ethereal figures, a candlestick, and an amalgamation of animals and fantastical creatures surround him. Below, a congregation of figures, evocatively rendered in Chagall’s distinctive style, stands gathered, their postures and demeanors reflecting reverence and attentiveness. The color palette is rich and unrestrained, contributing to the mystical ambiance of the scene. The fluidity of lines and the somewhat whimsical representation align with Chagall’s characteristic approach, bringing to life a timeless narrative with a touch of the surreal.
