Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was a visionary artist whose work transcended cultural and artistic boundaries, blending elements of folk art, surrealism, and expressionism. Born in Belarus, Chagall's early experiences in his Jewish community and later life in Paris and the South of France deeply influenced his vibrant, dreamlike paintings.

His unique use of colour and symbolic imagery often explored themes of love, faith, and the human condition. Marc Chagall artwork spans painting, stained glass, and illustration, and is known for its whimsical, fantastical quality, often mixing the real with the imaginary. As one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Chagall's ability to evoke emotion through his rich visual language remains timeless.

While in Paris, Chagall partnered with master printmaker Charles Sorlier to create a rich and extensive collection of prints, now considered to be amongst the most sought-after artworks of the 20th century.

Explore our available collection of Marc Chagall art and enjoy the dreamlike and expressive world of this iconic artist.

Marc Chagall Biography

Although born and raised in the Russian village of Vitebsk (now part of Belarus), Chagall spent much of his life in Paris.

He is recognized as a major figure of the École de Paris and was associated with the Parisian avant-garde circle of artists of the time that included Guillaume Apollinaire, Robert Delaunay, and Fernand Léger.

Over the course of his career, Chagall developed a whimsical and lyrical style characterised by symbolic imagery inspired by his Jewish faith, Belarussian heritage and lived experience in Paris.

Chagall imparted symbolic value into many of the various elements of his compositions. Consequently, there are numerous recurring themes and motifs in his work, from biblical scenes and Parisian icons such as the Eiffel Tower, to floating figures and animals playing folk-instruments.

Chagall’s whimsical imagery inspired the Surrealists, yet it is his considered use of colour, which has an almost luminescent quality in his finest works, for which he is best remembered. Picasso remarked in the 1950s that, “When Matisse dies… Chagall will be the only painter left who really understands what colour is.”

Along with Picasso, Chagall was the only painter to have an exhibition at the Louvre during his lifetime. Today his artworks can be found in many important museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.