Marc Chagall (1887–1985)

Five stars? Yes, five stars. Of course the Chagall paintings are wonderful. But the texts by Klaus Mayer actually enhance the pictures!

Artists have a long history of using Bible stories as an excuse to paint naked women. If this offends you, you probably won't enjoy these paintings.

Chagall's writing is very reminiscent of his painting: the feelings of a child-genius.

'Here is my soul. Look for me here; here I am, here are my pictures, my roots'

Marc Chagall, one of the twentieth century's most popular artists, grew up in a close-knit, bustling Russian-Jewish community, the son of a herring seller. In his colourful, dreamlike autobiography, written as he was about to leave his homeland for good in 1922, he vividly brings to life the memories and places that fed into his show more unique work, from his shtetl childhood to revolutionary Russia and Belle Èpoque Paris. Filled with Chagall's own evocative illustrations, My Life is as warm, joyful and humane as his art show less

Beyond beautiful, this is a fascinating and comprehensive look at Chagall's work for a small Russian Yiddish theater.

In June of 1959, Chagall received a commission to design the stained-glass windows for the synagogue that would be a part of the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem. The synagogue would have twelve large windows, and it was decided they would represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

Chagall devoted two years to making the windows, which were installed permanently (after being exhibited) in the synagogue in February of 1962.

Because Jewish law forbids the representation of the show more human figure (because it is an image of God), Chagall created a kingdom of stars, elements, and animals, the latter serving as emblems of the tribes.

This book goes through each window, explaining its meaning, citing the relevant Biblical passages each evokes, and showing the drawings that preceded the paintings as well as color plates of the windows themselves. show less