Customer Reviews

Marc Chagall: The Lost Jewish World

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This wonderful and richly illustrated book is an in-depth study of the Jewish roots of Chagall's art. Divided into nine chapters, it explains the cultural context in which Chagall's paintings were created, the outside influences (Leon Bakst, Picasso...), the themes (death, life, wedding, pregnancy...), the early masterpieces of the 1910's and 1920's, the influence of Yiddish culture and the schtetl (the lost Jewish world...), of the theater, in a nutshell what made Chagall one of the greatest artists of the first half of the XXth century (in this respect, one should forget about his later years, the 1960's and 70's, which the book barely studies and when he himself admitted to becoming repetitive if not merely commercial). An indispensable addition to the literature on the artist.

This book should serve as a worthwhile overview of Mark Chagall's life and artistic output. It covers all the major aspects that would interest the reader; Chagall's influential youth in Vitebsk and later years in America and France as well as a thorough analysis of his paintings. This volume is liberally illustrated with large sized color reproductions of many of his well known works as well as some that are less familiar. I found it an interesting personal observation that, despite my Russian Jewish ancestory, repetitive viewings of Chagall's paintings left me feeling unmoved. This is compared to examining the works of master artists such as Cezanne, Matisse, Rembrandt (to name but a few) where the experience was uplifting and had me in awe of their genius.

I have recently read Jackie Wullschlager's brilliant and penetrating biography of Chagall. This gives a far better portrait of his life, works and personality. Comparatively Harshav's writing is somewhat stilted. Nevertheless this book should appeal to Chagall enthusiasts. The reproductions are good but the stronger colors have a slightly harsh quality.