“Study to ‘Song of Songs I’,” created in 1960 in France by Marc Chagall, belongs to the Surrealism art movement. This artwork, part of the “Song of Songs” series, is a sketch and study that exemplifies Chagall’s distinctive style and thematic engagement with poetic and religious texts.
The artwork displays a composition marked by a dreamy, surreal quality, often characteristic of Chagall’s oeuvre. Dominated by a soft pink background, the piece portrays whimsical, floating figures and elements. Among these, a reclining nude woman is discernible in the lower left, exuding a sense of tranquility and etherealness. Above her, birds in vibrant blue and yellow colors add a dynamic contrast, seemingly engaged in a silent interaction. Additionally, other abstract forms and figures, including a tree with yellow foliage and an outstretched hand towards the upper right, give the artwork a narrative depth. The blending and juxtaposition of the elements exhibit a delicate balance, harmoniously linked through Chagall’s fluid and expressive linework. This artwork, a preparatory sketch, reflects the artist’s exploration of themes of love, nature, and spirituality.
