The artwork titled “Moses,” created by Marc Chagall in 1954 during his time in France, belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This sculpture, measuring 53 by 22 centimeters, exemplifies the artist’s exploration within this particular genre.
The artwork itself is a carved stone sculpture that presents a stylized depiction of the biblical figure Moses. The surface is textured, likely imitating the roughness of ancient stone tablets. The figure appears in relief, seemingly emerging from the stone block, characterized by its simplified and somewhat abstract form which is indicative of the Naïve Art movement. The composition of the sculpture highlights key elements associated with Moses, such as the two tablets he traditionally carries, rendered with subtle yet discernible detail. The sculpture stands on a simple, minimalist base, placing full attention on its historical and religious symbolism. The overall effect is one of modest grandeur, resonating with the timeless nature of the subject it portrays.
