The artwork, titled “Tchitchikov at the Customs,” was created by Marc Chagall circa 1923 in Paris, France. Executed using the medium of etching on paper, this piece is a representation of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and falls under the illustration genre. It is part of a series inspired by “Dead Souls” and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, Chagall employs his characteristic whimsical and dreamlike style to depict a scene at customs. The composition features various figures, including the central character, Tchitchikov, engaged in an interaction with another person, possibly a customs officer, highlighted by fluid and expressive lines. Surrounding them are other figures and objects, characterized by sparse detail and ethereal forms, evoking a sense of narrative and movement. The background is minimally sketched, with subtle elements such as trees and buildings, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere of the scene. The overall impression is one of surrealism and storytelling, hallmarks of Chagall’s unique artistic vision.
