“War III,” a lithography on paper by Marc Chagall, was created between 1956 and 1957 in France. The artwork, associated with the Expressionism movement, measures 65 x 50 cm and belongs to the genre of symbolic painting. It captures the essence of post-war expression through the use of evocative and emotive symbols.
The artwork presents a complex composition, with ethereal and ghostly figures interwoven with symbolic elements. Prominently, a large bird-like figure appears partially faded into the background, possibly representing peace or a guiding spirit. To the right, one can discern human forms, including a figure holding a child and another cloaked in dark shadows, suggesting themes of protection, loss, and suffering. The sketch-like quality of the lithography imparts a sense of urgency and raw emotionality, characteristic of Chagall’s response to the trauma of war. The monochromatic palette augments the somber and reflective nature of the artwork.
