The Crucifixion

Currently not on view

The Crucifixion

1940

Marc Chagall (French (born Vitebsk, Russian Empire), 1887–1985)

During the late 1930s Marc Chagall became increasingly aware of the plight of his fellow Jews in Europe and embarked on a series of paintings and works on paper on the theme of the Crucifixion. In these heartfelt works, he altered some of the details associated with this Christian image to awaken the world to the perilous situation of Jewish people in the wake of Nazi persecution and murder. For this version, Chagall stressed Christ’s Jewish identity by replacing his traditional loincloth with a Jewish prayer shawl, while the rooster at his feet alludes to the sacrifices needed to save mankind.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Crucifixion

Date:

1940

Artist:

Marc Chagall (French (born Vitebsk, Russian Empire), 1887–1985)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

13 3/8 x 11 9/16inches (34 x 29.4cm) Framed: 19 1/2 x 18 x 2 inches (49.5 x 45.7 x 5.1 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

The Samuel S. White 3rd and Vera White Collection, 1959

Accession Number:

1959-133-1

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

Provenance

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Currently not on view