“Self Portrait with a Palette,” created by Marc Chagall in 1955 in France, is an artwork belonging to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The piece, done in gouache and Indian ink on paper, measures 65 x 50 cm and is categorized within the genre of self-portraits. Presently, it resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts Marc Chagall himself, facing to the left, engaged in the act of painting. Rendered in a somewhat whimsical and abstract style, distinctive of the Naïve Art movement, Chagall is seen holding a palette inscribed with his name. The palette is fitted with paintbrushes. The background is infused with soft, translucent washes of color, providing an ethereal quality. To the left side of the composition, the word “BIBLE” is prominently featured, along with an image that appears to be inspired by a biblical illustration. The lines are fluid and expressive, adding a sense of dynamism to the composition, while the color palette leans towards softer, muted tones, interspersed with vibrant hues within the smaller details. This piece is a testament to Chagall’s distinctive style and his deeply personal artistic expression.
