The artwork titled “Moses spreads the darkness over Egypt,” created by Marc Chagall circa 1966 in France, is a lithograph on paper, measuring 44.3 x 32 cm. Classified under the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, this religious painting is part of “The Story of the Exodus” series, also executed in 1966.
In the artwork, a central figure presumed to be Moses, with a long beard and outstretched arms, dominates the scene. He is depicted holding what appears to be a staff in one hand, raised dramatically towards a darkened sky. The use of bold, dark colors surrounding him creates an intense and somber atmosphere, which illustrates the biblical narrative of darkness spreading over Egypt. The background features celestial beings and somber motifs, emphasizing the divine and supernatural elements of the scene. The overall stark contrast and vivid depiction embody Chagall’s unique style and his interpretive approach to biblical stories.
