The artwork titled “Noah lets go the dove through the window of the Ark (Genesis VIII, 6-9)” is a creation by artist Marc Chagall, dated 1931 and originating from Paris, France. The medium used in this piece is a combination of gouache and oil on paper. This work is a part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 63.5 by 47.5 cm. It falls under the religious painting genre, as it depicts a well-known biblical scene.
In the artwork, the primary figure can be identified as Noah, known from the biblical narrative. He is depicted in a moment of the story where he is releasing a dove from the Ark. This act is symbolic, representing a search for land after a great flood, aiming to find if the waters had receded. Noah is featured with a long beard and a look of hopeful anticipation directed towards the dove. Beside him stands a woman, possibly representing his wife, holding a child with tenderness, while the child seems to be asleep or in a state of peace. Below, there’s a presence of other animals—an intrigued rooster and a donkey, both of which appear to be gazing upwards, perhaps watching the flight of the dove. The colors are subdued, with a harmonious blend of earth tones that evoke a certain solemnity and reflection on the narrative depicted. Chagall’s style, strongly leaning towards Naïve Art, is characterized by his dreamlike interpretation of subjects, often incorporating an allegorical and emotional depth that transcends the simple storytelling.
