“Song of Songs III,” created by Marc Chagall in 1960 in France, exemplifies Surrealism through its medium of pastel on paper. This artwork, belonging to the “Song of Songs” series, is a sketch and study with dimensions of 25 x 33 cm. Embodying the essence of Chagall’s evocative and dreamlike style, the artwork is a vivid representation of the artist’s imaginative interpretation of the literary and romantic themes from the Biblical Song of Songs.
The artwork presents a vibrant and surreal composition, with a palette dominated by soft yet bold pastels. The figures depicted evoke a sense of whimsical fantasy interwoven with romance and mythology. In the upper left, a couple embraces, projecting intimacy and ethereal connection, while surreal creatures and celestial symbols populate the surrounding space, enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere. The central area features a fragmented scene that seems to depict a cityscape or a landscape in an abstract manner, further emphasizing Chagall’s mastery in blending reality with imaginative elements. The varied figures, some human and others more fantastical, are distributed across the pastel-toned paper, providing a dynamic and fluid visual experience that invites viewers to explore the depth and layers of meaning within the composition.
