“Self Portrait with Bouquet,” an exquisite piece crafted by Marc Chagall in 1981 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, represents the Surrealism art movement. This artwork, executed with oil on canvas, measures 73 by 54 centimeters and depicts a self-portrait. Currently, the piece resides in a private collection.
This vivid and evocative artwork presents a rich tapestry of surrealist elements, blending with personal symbolism. At the forefront, the artist’s visage is prominently featured, exuding a sense of introspective melancholy. A lush bouquet, vibrant and full, dominates the upper section, juxtaposing the subdued, almost spectral figure. The composition is characterized by an array of bold, contrasting colors, delineating different planes and imbuing the scene with a dream-like quality. The spectral female figure, the small figure approaching a distant town, and the pastoral elements enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning to Chagall’s introspection and artistic journey.