The artwork titled “Rebellious prophet was killed by a lion (I Kings, XIII, 24-28)” by Marc Chagall, created circa 1956 in France, is an etching on paper belonging to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Measuring 32.4 x 22.2 cm, this religious painting is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series, produced over the years 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The etching presents a poignant and dramatic scene from the Biblical narrative, depicting a fallen prophet killed by a lion, as described in I Kings, XIII, 24-28. The image is rendered in a monochromatic palette, with intricate line work that brings the story to life. The composition shows the lifeless body of the prophet lying on the ground, with the lion standing majestically nearby, its powerful presence dominating the scene. A donkey appears in the scene, adding to the biblical context. The stark contrast between light and shadow highlights the tension and tragedy of the moment. Chagall’s unique style and his ability to convey profound emotion through simple forms are evident in this work.
