The artwork titled “David and Bathsheba,” created by Marc Chagall in 1956 in France, is a lithography on paper measuring 50.5 x 32.5 cm. This piece, part of the Bible lithographs series from 1956, belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and falls under the genre of religious painting.
The artwork depicts a scene featuring two figures: David, situated on a high, fortified structure, seemingly observing Bathsheba, who stands partially nude in a more open, natural setting below. The setting is characterized by minimalist but expressive lines and forms, indicative of Chagall’s Naïve Art style. The use of lithography emphasizes stark contrasts and fluidity, conveying a sense of immediacy and intimacy between the characters. The simplicity in the composition allows the viewer to focus on the emotional and narrative essence of the biblical story being represented.
