The artwork, titled “Striking the Rock,” was created by Marc Chagall circa 1963 in France. Executed with pencil on paper, this piece falls under the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 28.8 x 33 cm. Classified as a sketch and study, the artwork showcases Chagall’s distinctive style and thematic focus.
In the artwork, a dynamic scene unfolds, primarily rendered through expressive and fluid pencil lines. In the upper part of the composition, a central figure appears to be striking a rock with an outstretched arm, from which water flows abundantly. This act seems to garner the attention of a considerable number of onlookers, depicted in various attentive postures. The audience in the foreground and background are characterized by their diverse, almost ethereal forms, reminiscent of Chagall’s often whimsical and otherworldly approach. The composition, bounded by a semi-circular upper frame, emphasizes a sense of sacred or mythic narrative, enhanced by the simplicity and directness typical of the Naïve Art movement. The sketchiness of the lines suggests it is preparatory work, offering insight into Chagall’s creative process and thematic exploration.
