20 Comments

This is not a work I had noticed to any great extent before, but now today, with the world being in the state it is in, I am greatly moved by this beauty. Thanks you again for a timely revelation…

Expand full comment
author

Yes, I know what you mean. It sadly feels all too timely again - so I think that’s why this piece carries an extra weight for me too right now.

Hope you do get to see it on your trip to Madrid.

Expand full comment

And I see it resides in a museum in Madrid, where I hope to spend a little time next spring. Perhaps I will see this in person then!

Expand full comment
Sep 25Liked by George Bothamley

I loved this painting and the story of Chagalls life….while painting it. The circumstances surrounding him and his moving to the US, so interesting!! Thankyou 💕🕊️🙏🏻

Expand full comment

Just beautiful, a wonderful example of Art being a balm for the soul.

Expand full comment
author

Totally agree.

Expand full comment
Sep 26Liked by George Bothamley

The only work of his I've ever seen in real life is the ceiling of the Paris Opera House, and I'm really excited to see the rest of his work is just as stunning. Miraculous :) Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment

I am a fan of Marc Chagall, but I had no idea about this painting. What is amazing is how he managed to create beauty during one of the ugliest moments in history. You said it so well: "light, beauty, and art itself can all still survive, even in a world of darkness."

Expand full comment
Sep 25Liked by George Bothamley

thank you for this. I really admire his work (esp Stained Glass), soft flowing primary colors with just enough whimsy to urge you to think ‘Why couldn’t it be this way?’

Expand full comment
Sep 25Liked by George Bothamley

Victor Frankel In Man's Search for Meaning on art while in the concentration camps.

“As the inner life of the prisoner tended to become more intense, he also experienced the beauty of art and nature as never before. Under their influence he sometimes even forgot his own frightful circumstances."

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for sharing this. Frankl’s book is one that everyone should read at some point.

Expand full comment

A lovely essay on Chagalls work and a tale that inspires, provokes and gives hope through paintings that tell stories of old with each caressing stroke on a canvas which reflect the spirit within.

Expand full comment

How beautiful, and what an interesting story behind the painting. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Sep 25Liked by George Bothamley

Thank you so much for sharing this and the other selected pieces in your posts. I just discovered you on Substack and look forward to my daily bit of beauty and knowledge.

Expand full comment
author

I’m glad to know you enjoy the posts - and thanks to you for joining us here!

Expand full comment
Sep 25Liked by George Bothamley

Thank you again for shining light on the beautiful.

Expand full comment
author

That’s such a nice thing to say. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Thank you for this timely and beautiful Substack post. The high holidays are approaching and it’s been a tough year for Jews. What a wonderful reminder of the strength of human spirit.

Expand full comment

I could have owned a Chagall! Not a big picture but a small drawing. About 20 years in a local venue,and I was there by chance,was an exhibition of Chagall drawings,in pen and ink I think. They were tiny about say 4 inches square or so,but original,and they were available to buy. For approx £150-180 I recall. I was tempted to blow the months food budget! But I didn't.

Expand full comment

Your commentary was wonderful. There does seem so much hope with the candle, music, it appears someone has a book, an angel has a bouquet of flowers and then there is the Madonna (Bella) with child being kissed on the forehead by Chagall. There truly is hope and joy. I’m glad he was able to escape to the USA in 1941.

Expand full comment