The artwork “Sobakevich at table,” created by Marc Chagall around 1923 in Paris, France, is an etching on paper and exemplifies the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It falls under the genre of illustration and is part of the “Dead Souls” series. Currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia, this piece showcases Chagall’s distinctive style characterized by its whimsical and expressive quality.
In the artwork, a man with exaggerated, almost caricature-like features is depicted seated at a table, engaging animatedly with his meal. The etching captures his intense focus and interaction with the food, particularly a piece he holds closely to his mouth. The surrounding elements on the table, rendered with minimalistic detail, create a contrast that emphasizes the central figure’s actions. The simplistic lines and sparse background are evocative of Chagall’s signature approach, blending a sense of raw, unfettered emotion with a touch of surrealism.
