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2024-04-03 04:55:44

Marc Chagall

Russian-French artist associated with multiple styles.

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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.

Pablo Picasso Art Nouveau Henri Matisse Vincent van Gogh Impressionism Raphael Paul Gauguin Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Claude Monet Salvador Dalí

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.

1903

Introduction to Painting

Despite coming from a humble background, Marc Chagall was introduced to painting when he started attending the studio of a local painter, Jehuda Pen, after his secondary schooling was cut short.

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.

1907

Start of Painting Naturalistic Self-Portraits and Landscapes

By 1907, Marc Chagall began painting naturalistic self-portraits and landscapes while studying at an art school in Saint Petersburg.

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.

1910-01

Chagall Moves to Paris

In 1910, Marc Chagall moves to Paris, a significant event in his life and artistic career.

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.

1914-01-01

Back to Russia!

Marc Chagall returned to Russia during this time period.

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.

1916

Birth of Marc Chagall and Bella's daughter Ida

In 1916, Marc Chagall and Bella welcomed their daughter Ida, adding to their family.

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.

1924-05

The Vision

A artwork by Marc Chagall created between 1924 and 1937.

1926

First exhibition in the United States at the Reinhardt gallery of New York

In 1926, Marc Chagall had his first exhibition in the United States at the Reinhardt gallery of New York, showcasing about 100 works. This event helped introduce his art to a wider audience.

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.

1941-01-01

America

In 1941, Marc Chagall's whereabouts or activities in America are mentioned, but the specific details are not provided.

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.

1942-09-08

Premiere of Aleko Ballet in Mexico City

On September 8, 1942, the premiere of the Aleko Ballet in Mexico City was a remarkable success. The audience included famous mural painters like Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco, and Chagall received 19 curtain calls, becoming the hero of the evening.

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.

1946-06-22

Birth of David McNeil

On June 22, 1946, Chagall had a child named David McNeil with Virginia Haggard, daughter of diplomat Sir Godfrey Digby Napier Haggard, after a romance lasting seven years.

1947-10

Exhibition at Musée National d'Art Moderne

In the autumn of 1947, the artist attended the opening of the exhibition of his works at the Musée National d'Art Moderne in France.

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.

1952-01

Marriage to Valentina (Vava) Brodsky

In January 1952, Marc Chagall married Valentina (Vava) Brodsky, who had run a successful millinery business in London and became his secretary.

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.

1958

Chagall designs sets for Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé in Paris

In 1958, Marc Chagall returned to Paris to design sets for Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé, showcasing his mastery of using theatrical color and creating enchanting atmospheres.

1959

Chagall's painting Le Cirque sur fond bleu

In 1959, Chagall created the painting Le Cirque sur fond bleu, which features oil and brush and india ink on canvas. The artwork was sold for €504,000 on 4 April 2023 at Christie’s in Paris.

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.

1969

Israel Produced Stamp of King David Painting

In 1969, Israel released a postage stamp depicting Marc Chagall's painting of King David as a tribute to the artist.

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.

1982

Moderna Museet Retrospective Exhibition

In 1982, the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Sweden curated a retrospective exhibition of Marc Chagall's works, later traveling to Denmark.

1985-01-01

Marc Chagall's Artistic Style

In 1985, Marc Chagall's unique artistic style was highlighted and celebrated.

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.

1986

Chagall's stained glass windows appear in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off

The stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall for the Art Institute of Chicago appeared prominently in the 1986 movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

1987

Seven Nations Released Stamps in Honor of Chagall's Centennial

In 1987, seven nations participated in a special omnibus program to celebrate the centennial of Marc Chagall's birth in Belarus by issuing postage stamps in his honor, collectively producing 48 stamps and 10 souvenir sheets.

1988

Publication of Chagall: The Russian Years 1907–1922 by Aleksandr Kamensky

In 1988, an abridged version of the book 'Marc Chagall, An Artist From Russia' was published, focusing on Chagall's early years in Russia.

1990

Publication of Masters of Art: Chagall by Gianni Pozzi, Claudia Saraceni, L. R. Galante

In 1990, a book titled 'Masters of Art: Chagall' was published, exploring the works of Marc Chagall.

2003

Publication of Marc Chagall on Art and Culture by Benjamin Harshav

In 2003, Benjamin Harshav published a book focusing on Marc Chagall's influence on art and culture.

2005

Publication of Chagall: An Artist From Russia by Aleksandr Kamensky

In 2005, Aleksandr Kamensky released a book in Russian about Marc Chagall, highlighting his roots in Russia.

2007

Publication of Marc Chagall by Jonathan Wilson

In 2007, Jonathan Wilson released a book on Marc Chagall, delving into the life and works of the artist.

2008

Publication of Chagall: A Biography by Jackie Wullschlager

In 2008, Jackie Wullschlager published a biography focusing on the life and art of Marc Chagall.

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.

2013

Discovery of Unknown Chagall Works in Gurlitt's Stash

In 2013, previously unknown works by Chagall were found in the hidden stash of artworks belonging to the son of one of Hitler's art dealers, Hildebrand Gurlitt.

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.

2019

Publication of Polish-language periodicals about Marc Chagall (1912–1940) by V. A. Shishanov, F. Shkirando

In 2019, V. A. Shishanov and F. Shkirando contributed to a publication discussing Polish-language periodicals related to Marc Chagall from 1912 to 1940.

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Marc Chagall