This work is a rare proof, before the book edition, signed by Marc Chagall. This example was handpicked by Marc Chagall and signed outside the black-and-white edition. This piece is...
This work is a rare proof, before the book edition, signed by Marc Chagall. This example was handpicked by Marc Chagall and signed outside the black-and-white edition. This piece is the only known example in private hand purchased directly from the Chagall Estate. The facets are edged and slightly more pronounced than those of the book edition, with slight differences in printing.
In Moïse Sauvé des Eaux, Chagall depicts the biblical story of Moses being saved from the waters of the Nile River. According to the Book of Exodus, Moses' mother, fearing for her son's life, placed him in a basket and set him adrift on the river to escape Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. The painting captures the dramatic moment when Pharaoh's daughter discovers the baby Moses among the reeds and decides to adopt him as her own.
Surreal imagery and mystical wonder characterize Chagall's scene interpretation. Moses is depicted as a glowing figure, surrounded by swirling shapes and symbols that evoke a sense of divine intervention. The composition exudes a sense of hope and salvation, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Moses' rescue and his eventual role as a leader of the Hebrew people.
Moïse Sauvé des Eaux is one of Chagall's masterpieces, showcasing his unique blend of modernist aesthetics and spiritual themes. The painting reflects his deep interest in Jewish culture and history and his fascination with the power of faith and destiny.