“Song of Songs V” is an oil on canvas artwork by Marc Chagall, dating from circa 1965 and created in France. The painting belongs to the Surrealist movement and measures 150 by 226 centimeters. As a work in the category of religious painting, it is part of Marc Chagall’s “Song of Songs” series, which is inspired by the eponymous book from the Bible, often interpreted as an allegorical expression of love.
The artwork showcases Marc Chagall’s signature use of vivid colors and dream-like imagery to convey a sense of spirituality and emotion. Dominated by a palette of reds and pinks, it depicts a swirling central figure that seems to merge with the surrounding elements. The presence of a goat and a violin—a recurring motif in Chagall’s work—anchors the composition in the artist’s personal iconography, which often draws upon his Jewish heritage and childhood memories.
Around the central shape, there are multiple figures and faces that appear to float or merge with the background, reinforcing the surreal and ethereal quality of the piece. The blending of human forms with a vibrant, abstract landscape illustrates the melting of physical and spiritual realms, a common theme in Chagall’s art. Despite the abstract nature of the composition, the underlying theme of love, as represented in the “Song of Songs,” is palpable through the warmth of the colors and the gentle embrace of the figures.
