Whether you celebrate it or not I do hope you're enjoying a few days off and taking full advantage of them, I know I am and so there will be no beauty talk today!
Here is my Easter inspiration...
Marc Chagall (1887-1995), The Tribe of Naphtali...
Created by Marc Chagall in 1964 for the synagogue of the Hadassah-Hebrew Medical Center outside of Jerusalem this image is part of a series. Engraved and printed by Charles Sorlier on wove paper.
The defined contours, the boldness of the Rooster's blues and the gentleness of the goat's expression make this image very appealing to me. Strength and softness, I believe one has to have both.
As a traditional biblical reference, the goat holds a vast history of symbolism in the Jewish faith - on Yom Kippur, the festival of the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen and lots were drawn for them. One was sacrificed and the other allowed to escape into the wilderness, symbolically carrying with it the sins of the community (from this comes the word "scapegoat"). Contrasted with a brilliantly colored rooster who hovers above, these animals more commonly symbolized ideas of prosperity and abundance. The overwhelming aura of the piece is echoed by the shimmering yellow that radiates and glows from the work. Floral accents throughout give the scene a cheerful and whimsical energy that only serves to accentuate the excellent condition in which we find this piece. Truly one of Chagall's finest in the series!
CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ & COA:
You can learn more about Marc Chagall here and here and about Charles Sorlier, here.
Happy Easter Sunday and have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo
Picture credit, here.
