The artwork titled “Newlyweds with Paris in the Background,” created by Marc Chagall in 1980 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, is an oil painting on canvas representing the Surrealism art movement. Measuring 116 x 89 cm, this genre painting is part of a private collection. The artwork captures a scene involving newlyweds with the Parisian cityscape forming the backdrop.
In the painting, hues of blue dominate the canvas, imbibing the scene with a dreamlike, ethereal quality consistent with Chagall’s signature style. The couple, positioned on the left side, is depicted with a touch of tenderness and intimacy, as the figure on the right leans towards the figure on the left, who appears to artistically paint a circular object. The Eiffel Tower, as well as other iconic structures of Paris including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, are discernible in the distance, evoking a sense of romance associated with the city. Overhead, celestial elements such as a crescent moon and mythical figures enrich the surreal atmosphere. On the lower right, a large vase brimming with vivid red flowers introduces a lively contrast against the predominantly cool palette. This inclusion of vibrant florals accentuates the joyous occasion of the newlyweds, grounding their emotional connection amidst a fantastical rendition of Paris. The scene invites viewers into a fusion of reality and imagination, hallmarking Chagall’s artistic lexicon.
