The artwork, titled “King David,” was created by Marc Chagall in 1963 in France. This religious painting, belonging to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, is executed in oil on canvas and measures 179.8 x 98 cm. Currently housed in a private collection, the artwork exemplifies Chagall’s distinct style and thematic focus on biblical subjects.
In this evocative piece, Chagall portrays King David, a significant figure from biblical lore, adorned in a radiant red robe and crowned as he stands against a complex, dreamlike backdrop. King David, positioned to the left, holds a lyre, symbolizing his poetic and musical legacy. The dark and vibrant color palette infuses the painting with a mystical atmosphere, while the presence of an angelic figure and a ghostly couple in the foreground introduces a multi-layered narrative. The otherworldly essence is further enriched by the depiction of a townscape under a crescent moon, creating a fusion of earthly and divine realms. This evocative composition reflects Chagall’s unique ability to intertwine religious symbolism with personal and cultural history, making “King David” a profound visual and spiritual experience.
