“The Hebrews adore the golden calf,” a religious painting by Marc Chagall created in 1931 in Paris, France, falls within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This artwork, with dimensions of 61 x 48.5 cm, is rendered using gouache and oil on paper.
The artwork depicts a biblical scene with a group of Hebrews worshiping a golden calf. Central to the composition is the golden calf, elevated on a platform, drawing the viewer’s attention. Surrounding it are numerous figures, their faces animated with expressions of adoration and zeal. Many of them are lifting their hands in praise, signifying their reverence. The figures are illustrated in a somewhat primitive and naïve style characteristic of Chagall, with a noticeable emphasis on emotion and spirituality. The use of colors and brushwork gives the scene a dreamlike, almost surreal quality. The artwork captures the emotional intensity of this moment of collective idolatry.
