The artwork titled “The Israelites crossing the Red Sea” was created by Marc Chagall in 1931 in Paris, France. Executed in gouache and oil on paper, this piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It is classified as a religious painting and measures 63 x 46.5 cm.
In the artwork, Marc Chagall illustrates the biblical scene of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. The composition prominently features a multitude of figures representing the Israelites as they traverse the parted sea, led by a central figure who wields a staff, symbolizing the divine guidance. Ethereal and fluid in its coloration, the painting employs a dreamy blend of hues and textures, characteristic of Chagall’s distinctive style. The parted waters, depicted with sweeping, whimsical strokes, create an almost surreal environment, while an angelic figure hovers above, underscoring the miraculous nature of the event. The piece conveys a sense of movement and divine intervention, emphasizing the dramatic and transformative moment of deliverance.
