Marc Chagall (1887-1985) the greatest Jewish artist of all times who spent his entire life painting Biblical and Judaic themes. Chagall was above all a Russian painter marked by his Jewish origins and also a poet for whom the Bible was an essential inspiration.
He first studied in Vitebsk and in St Petersburg in 1907 and studied in the Zvanseva art School where he received the teaching of Leon Bakst. He went to Paris in 1910 where he met Apollinaire, Max Jacob, Modigliani, Robert Delaunay and La Fresnaye. Despite discovering Cubism and Impressionism he remained much attached to his roots.
He played an active role during the Soviet Revolution but his liberal attitude led to his disgrace.
He then went on to work for the Moscow Jewish Theatre in 1919. Three years later he settled in Paris.
His natural anguish amplified during the 1930's especially when the Nazis took power in Germany and he went on to paint themes of the Crucifixion.
During the War he went to the U.S at the invitation of the New York Museum of Modern Art.
Chagall returned to France in 1947 and became one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th Century. His works are now worth between US $ 250,000 and 15 million.
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