Marc Chagall’s etching titled “Nozdryov and Tchitchikov,” created around 1923 in Paris, France, belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and serves as an illustration within his “Dead Souls” series. The artwork, held at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia, showcases the artist’s distinct style and narrative approach, employing etching on paper as its medium.
The artwork features a dynamic interaction between the characters Nozdryov and Tchitchikov, presumably engaged in an intense exchange or negotiation. The scene is enriched with expressive lines and whimsical details, capturing the essence of the characters’ personalities and the underlying tension. The simplicity of the lines and the almost caricature-like depiction of the figures contribute to the Naïve Art aesthetic, inviting viewers to engage with the storytelling aspect of the illustration. Elements such as the tilted candles and scattered playing cards add to the chaotic ambiance, reinforcing the narrative’s dramatic undertone.
