The artwork titled “Noah receives the order to build the Ark,” created by Marc Chagall in 1931, is an expression of religious inspiration and storytelling. Fabricated in Paris, France, the medium used in this art piece combines gouache and oil on paper. Measuring 58 cm by 42.5 cm, it belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) art movement and is categorized as a religious painting. The genre reflects the biblical narrative in which Noah is instructed by God to build an Ark in preparation for the Great Flood.
In the artwork, the central figures are portrayed with a dramatic contrast in scale and coloration. An angelic figure, bathed in white, dominates the upper portion of the composition, pointing skywards with an extended arm. The figure’s white color stands out against the dark, star-speckled background of what appears to be a night sky, creating a radiant, ethereal presence. Below this messenger, we see Noah, rendered with earthy tones and a ruddy complexion, looking up with folded hands in a gesture of devotion or supplication.
Chagall uses a distinctive color palette and stylization to convey the sacred interaction. The stark contrast in size between Noah and the angelic figure emphasizes the divine nature of the message being communicated. The application of both gouache and oil paints complements the rudimentary yet expressive forms characteristic of Primitivism, lending a sense of immediacy and emotive depth to the scene. The blending of realistic and visionary elements is a testament to Chagall’s unique approach to depicting religious themes.
