The artwork titled “Ten Commandments,” created by Marc Chagall circa 1966 in France, is a lithograph on paper belonging to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Measuring 31.6 by 26 centimeters, this religious painting is a part of the series “The Story of the Exodus (1966).” The vibrant lithograph characteristically captures Chagall’s distinctive style, combining vivid, emotive colors with a sense of spiritual reverence.
In the artwork, an elderly, bearded figure is depicted holding the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a significant element of biblical iconography. The tablets are rendered with flowing, abstract lines and feature Hebrew script, symbolizing their sacred nature. The figure’s expression is one of pensive solemnity, and the use of bold and contrasting colors—predominantly reds, blues, and greens—adds to the intense emotional and spiritual atmosphere of the piece. The soft, almost surreal forms and the expressive brush strokes evoke a sense of mystical contemplation, reflecting Chagall’s deep engagement with religious themes and his unique artistic vision.
