“The Over-flowing Table,” created by Marc Chagall circa 1923 in Paris, France, is an etching piece rendered on paper. This artwork, part of the “Dead Souls” series, is affiliated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 27.7 x 21.4 cm. It is classified as an illustration and is housed at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork presents a surreal and somewhat chaotic scene of a dinner table laden with various objects and food items. Chagall’s etching style is evident in the intricate lines and hatching that bring depth and texture to the scene. The table, seen from above, is cluttered with plates, bottles, and candle holders, alongside food items depicted in an exaggerated and whimsical manner. The flowing lines and seemingly jumbled arrangement create a dreamlike quality, characteristic of Chagall’s unique artistic vision. The overall composition captures a moment of abundance and possibly overindulgence, as indicated by the title, “The Over-flowing Table.”
