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Marc Chagall

Russian-French artist associated with multiple styles.

Marc Chagall, born Moishe Shagal, was a prominent artist known for his diverse works in painting, drawings, stained glass, and more. He was a key figure in the École de Paris and blended Eastern European and Jewish folklore in his modern art. Chagall's artistry extended to creating windows for various cathedrals and institutions, solidifying his reputation as a leading Jewish artist of the 20th century.

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Timeline

1887-07-06
Birth of Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall, the renowned artist, was born on July 6, 1887, in Liozna, near Vitebsk, which was part of the Russian Empire at that time.
1887-07-07
Birth of Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall, a Belorussian-born French painter, printmaker, and designer known for composing images based on emotional and poetic associations, was born in Vitebsk, Russian Empire (now Belarus).
1900-07-06
Marc Chagall Enrolls in First Art School
At the age of 13, Marc Chagall enrolls in his first art school, which significantly contributes to his success as an artist. The specific name of the school remains unknown.
1906
Chagall's Artistic Inspiration from Jewish Roots
During the period in Imperial Russia, Marc Chagall chose to integrate his Jewish roots into his art as a form of self-assertion and expression of principle. This decision influenced his artistic style and became a significant aspect of his work.
1908
Creation of The Dead Man
In 1908, Marc Chagall created 'The Dead Man,' a nightmarish painting depicting a roof violinist, showcasing his early maturity and unique style.
1909
Creation of My Fiancée with Black Gloves
In 1909, Marc Chagall created 'My Fiancée with Black Gloves,' where a portrait becomes an experimental arrangement of black and white, reflecting his artistic exploration.
1911-01-01
And the Village
Marc Chagall painted the renowned artwork 'And the Village,' which is prominently exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
1912
Creation of Self-Portrait with Seven Fingers
In 1912, Marc Chagall created 'Self-Portrait with Seven Fingers,' showcasing his unique style and artistic expression during his early years in Paris.
1913
Creation of Paris Through the Window
In 1913, Marc Chagall created 'Paris Through the Window,' reflecting his evolving style influenced by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Fauvist art he encountered in Paris.
1915
Chagall begins exhibiting his work in Moscow
In 1915, Marc Chagall started showcasing his artwork in Moscow, initially at a well-known salon, and later in St. Petersburg. His participation in a Moscow exhibition of avant-garde artists brought him recognition and attracted wealthy collectors to purchase his art. He also ventured into illustrating Yiddish books with ink drawings during this period.
1917
Chagall becomes commissar of arts for Vitebsk
In 1917, Marc Chagall was appointed as the commissar of arts for Vitebsk, a position that allowed him to contribute significantly to the cultural and artistic development of the region. This role led to the establishment of the Vitebsk Arts College, which became a renowned institution under his leadership.
1920
Decoration of the Jewish Theatre in Moscow
In 1920, the artist moved to Moscow and worked on the decoration of the Jewish theatre, which is considered the masterpiece of his youth. Despite facing material struggles, this period was highly productive for him.
1921
Creation of large background murals for State Jewish Chamber Theater
In early 1921, Marc Chagall created large background murals for the newly formed State Jewish Chamber Theater in Moscow. The murals featured various lively subjects such as dancers, fiddlers, acrobats, and farm animals, and were considered a landmark in the history of the theatre.
1922
Production of First Engravings in Berlin
In 1922, the artist moved to Berlin where he gained recognition and produced his first engravings for his poetic autobiography, Ma vie.
1923-01-01
Marc Chagall Moves Back to Russia to Meet Fiancee Bella Rosenfield
Marc Chagall returns to Russia to reunite with his fiancee Bella Rosenfield. The couple would later marry and relocate to Paris.
1931-02-01
Marc Chagall Moves to Paris with Wife Bella Rosenfield
Marc Chagall relocates to Paris for the third time with his new wife Bella Rosenfield. This move marks one of the three occasions he resides in the city.
1933
Retrospective exhibition at Kunsthalle Basel
In 1933, Marc Chagall's reputation as a modern master was confirmed by a large retrospective exhibition at the Kunsthalle in Basel, Switzerland.
1937-01-01
Art Confiscation
In 1937, German officials confiscated approximately 20,000 pieces of modernist art, including many works by Marc Chagall, labeling them as 'degenerate' and seizing them from museums worldwide.
1938
Painted White Crucifixion
In 1938, Marc Chagall painted the powerful White Crucifixion, reflecting Jewish and Christian symbols in a depiction of German Jews terrorized by a Nazi mob, with the crucified Christ wrapped in a Jewish prayer shawl.
1939
Chagall's White Crucifixion painting exhibited at Chicago Art Institute
In 1939, Marc Chagall exhibited his painting White Crucifixion at the Chicago Art Institute. The painting symbolized the martyrdom of Europe's Jewish populations during the war.
1941-06-10
Chagall's arrival in the US
On June 10, 1941, Marc Chagall and his wife Bella arrived in the United States aboard the Portuguese ship Mouzinho. The passengers included refugee children to whom Chagall gave drawing lessons during the voyage.
1941-06-21
Chagall's arrival in Staten Island
On June 21, 1941, Marc Chagall and his wife Bella reached Staten Island in the United States. This was a day before Germany invaded the Soviet Union.
1942-01-01
Aleko Ballet
Marc Chagall was tasked with creating costumes for the Aleko ballet in New York. His approach to outfitting the performers was noted for its uniqueness.
1943
Chagall's Obsession painting exhibited at National Museum of Modern Art, Centre Georges Pompidou
In 1943, Marc Chagall exhibited his painting Obsession at the National Museum of Modern Art, Centre Georges Pompidou. The painting reflected his anguish for the fate of Jews during the war.
1944-09-02
Death of Bella Chagall
On September 2, 1944, Chagall's wife Bella died suddenly due to a streptococcus infection, leading him to halt his work for months and focus on preserving her memory.
1950
The Blue Circus
The Blue Circus is a painting created by Marc Chagall in 1950. It is a notable work by the artist known for his love of fantasy and unique artistic style.
1951
Chagall's poem 'For the Slaughtered Artists: 1950'
In 1951, Chagall wrote a poem entitled 'For the Slaughtered Artists: 1950' as part of a memorial book dedicated to eighty-four Jewish artists killed by the Nazis in France. This poem inspired paintings such as the Song of David.
1955
Decorating Chapels du Calvaire in Vence
In 1955, Marc Chagall began the project to decorate the Chapels du Calvaire in Vence, which later became known as the Biblical Message cycle.
1956
Completion of Chagall's Bible series
Chagall completed his Bible series in 1956, which was published by Edition Tériade. The illustrations were highly acclaimed, solidifying Chagall's reputation as one of the 20th century's most important graphic artists.
1960-02
Creation of Stained Glass Windows for Hebrew University's Hadassah Medical Center
In 1960, Marc Chagall began creating stained glass windows for the synagogue of Hebrew University's Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. The twelve windows, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were filled with stained glass to spiritually and physically illuminate the synagogue.
1962-01-01
Stained Glass windows in Jerusalem
In 1962, Marc Chagall created stained glass windows in Jerusalem, showcasing his distinctive modernist style.
1963-01-01
Paris Opera House
In 1963, Marc Chagall was involved in a project related to the Paris Opera House.
1964-09-23
Unveiling of Chagall's Ceiling Painting at the Paris Opera
In 1964, Marc Chagall completed a massive ceiling painting at the Paris Opera, which paid tribute to composers and artists. The painting was unveiled on September 23rd in front of a large audience, receiving praise from both critics and the public.
1966
Donation of the Biblical Message to the French State
In 1966, Marc Chagall donated the Biblical Message to the French State, which was first exhibited at the Louvre and later inspired the creation of a museum in Nice.
1967
Stained Glass Windows at Fraumünster Church
In 1967, Marc Chagall created five large stained glass windows for the Fraumünster church in Zurich, Switzerland. These windows depict Christian symbols despite Chagall's Jewish background, and are known for their biblical themes and representations.
1973
Inauguration of the museum in Nice
The museum in Nice, inspired by Marc Chagall's Biblical Message, was inaugurated in 1973 in the presence of the artist.
1974
The Four Seasons mosaic in Chicago
In 1974, the artist created The Four Seasons mosaic in Chicago, showcasing his talent in mosaic art.
1978
Stained Glass Windows at St Stephan's Church
Starting in 1978, Marc Chagall began creating stained glass windows for St Stephan's church in Mainz, Germany. These windows are admired for their vibrant colors and symbolic meanings, serving as a symbol of Jewish-Christian unity and international understanding.
1985-03-28
Marc Chagall's Death
Marc Chagall, a renowned artist known for his vibrant and mystical artworks, passed away on March 28, 1985. His unique style and diverse range of creations, including paintings, book illustrations, stained glass, and more, left a lasting impact on the art world.
2010-10
Sale of Chagall's painting Bestiaire et Musique
In October 2010, Chagall's painting Bestiaire et Musique was sold for $4.1 million in Hong Kong, becoming the most expensive contemporary Western painting ever sold in Asia.
2017-11-14
Sale of Chagall's painting Les Amoureux
A 1928 Chagall oil painting titled Les Amoureux, depicting his first wife Bella Rosenfeld, was sold for $28.5 million at Sotheby's New York on November 14, 2017, setting a new auction record for Chagall.
End of the Timeline
Marc Chagall

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