“The Lion Grown Old,” an artwork by Marc Chagall created in 1927 in Paris, France, exemplifies the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The piece, executed in gouache on paper, measures 48.2 by 40.6 centimeters and is categorized within the genre of animal painting. It is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a somber scene with a lion at the forefront, appearing weakened and aged, lying on a yellow and brown terrain. Surrounding the lion are three animals: a blue donkey, a purple cow, and a red horse. The muted yet vibrant coloration and simplistic form of the animals demonstrate Chagall’s characteristic style within the Naïve Art movement. The juxtaposition of the vibrant colors against an earthy background highlights the emotional gravity of the lion’s condition, amplifying the narrative conveyed through this animal tableau.
