“The Birds,” crafted by Marc Chagall in 1957 in France, is a lithography on paper that exemplifies the surrealism movement and falls under the genre of symbolic painting.
The artwork showcases a dreamlike scene brought to life through Chagall’s distinctive use of monochromatic contrasts and fluid forms. A noticeable feature is a central figure that appears to be a mermaid reclining, merging elements of myth and nature. Above her, another figure holding a bouquet of flowers appears to be floating or emerging from a leafy background. Dark, abstract bird figures are visible in the backdrop, lending a sense of ethereal movement. This composition integrates Chagall’s symbolic language and surrealistic touch, evoking a sense of whimsy and mysticism.