“Tree of Jesse,” an artwork crafted by Marc Chagall in 1975 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, is a symbolic painting rendered in oil on canvas. Measuring 130 by 81 cm, it belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork presents a vivid and intricate composition centered around the biblical theme of the Tree of Jesse, symbolizing the genealogy of Christ. Dominated by bold and varied hues, the painting juxtaposes vibrant reds, greens, and yellows against a deep blue background, creating a compelling and dreamlike visual narrative. Figures and mythical symbols are harmoniously entangled within the tree’s branches, evoking a sense of spiritual and historical continuity. The painting’s dynamic forms and expressive colors typify Chagall’s distinctive style, blending folklore with profound religious and humanistic themes.