“The Mission of Bezaleel,” a lithograph on paper created by Marc Chagall in 1966, is part of “The Story of the Exodus” series. This artwork, rendered in a Naïve Art (Primitivism) style, measures 45.7 by 33.2 cm. It was crafted in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, and falls within the genre of religious painting.
The artwork depicts a stylized, vibrant and emotive interpretation of a biblical scene. Central to the composition is a figure who appears to be engaged in a divine mission, possibly Bezaleel himself, as suggested by the artwork’s title. The figure, draped in flowing garments of blue and green, is positioned near an elaborate menorah, which signifies its religious theme. Above the figure, a bird soars near a prominent Star of David, adding dynamic motion and spiritual symbolism to the piece. The use of rich, expressive colors and the integration of symbolic elements such as the candle holder and the Hebrew text within the Star of David reflects Chagall’s distinctive artistic language and his deep engagement with Jewish cultural and religious heritage.
