The artwork titled “Study to ‘Striking Rock'” was created by the artist Marc Chagall around 1963 in France. It is a pastel on paper and belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The genre of this artwork is a sketch and study, capturing a preliminary exploration of what would eventually be a more finished piece.
The artwork features dynamic and fluid lines that depict a multitude of human figures congregating around a central figure. The central figure seems to be performing an action, which appears to be striking a rock, evoking imagery and themes from historical or biblical contexts. Surrounding this central activity are a multitude of smaller figures, rendered in loose, flowing strokes that enhance the sense of movement and activity. The palette is primarily pastel, with soft yellows, reds, and blues providing a vibrant yet delicate backdrop. The sketch-like quality emphasizes the expressive lines and forms, creating an energetic and almost ethereal composition. The figures vary in scale, contributing to a sense of depth and layers within the scene. This preparatory study showcases Chagall’s distinctive style and his ability to convey emotion and narrative through sparse yet evocative lines and colors.
