“Mother by the Oven,” created by Marc Chagall in 1914 near Liozna, Vitebsk, Belarus, is an oil on canvas painting that belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is categorized as a genre painting.
In this artwork, a woman, presumably a mother, is depicted standing in front of an oven. She is adorned in a long, dark dress with a white apron tied around her waist, emphasizing her role in a domestic setting. The background of the artwork is adorned with warm hues and rough brushstrokes, characteristic of Expressionism, creating a sense of intimacy and homeliness. The simple yet evocative composition captures a moment of everyday life, focusing on the emotional resonance rather than intricate details. The oven and the mother are central to the scene, symbolizing nourishment and care within a familial structure. The overall atmosphere suggests a deep connection to home and tradition, rendered through Chagall’s expressive style.