The artwork titled “Rooster Man Above Vitebsk” was created by the artist Marc Chagall in the year 1925. It is an oil painting on canvas, encapsulating the essence of the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism. This particular piece falls under the genre of cityscape and, as of the last available information, is housed in a private collection.
The artwork features an ethereal figure resembling a man with the head of a rooster, floating above a snowy townscape, presumably Vitebsk, which is often depicted in Chagall’s works. The figure appears to be holding a glowing green object, possibly a lantern or an abstract representation of light, in his right hand, and is dressed in what seem to be traditional garments with a notable ruffled collar and a prominent red rooster comb atop his head.
Below this whimsical character lies a series of houses coated with snow, solidifying the winter atmosphere of the scene. Architectural details suggest the eastern European character of the buildings, with domed structures punctuating the horizon, possibly representing the churches of Vitebsk. The palette is dominated by cool tones with stark whites and grays, contrasting with the more vivid colours of the rooster man’s attire. The scene is quiet, almost still, except for the buoyant presence of the central figure that introduces a dynamic energy to the composition. Chagall’s use of fantastical elements and his combination of the surreal with the mundane creates a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the viewer’s perception of reality.
