The Life and Work of Marc Chagall

Russian-born, French painter and stained glass artist Marc Chagall spent his early years in a small, Hasidic Jewish town in White Russia. His early experiences doubtlessly influenced his later work, as did the work of his Cubist and Surrealist contemporaries. Chagall painted prolifically before, during and after both world wars. Chagall’s work is inspired by his Jewish heritage, the turmoil that plagued Europe during his lifetime and the ever-changing artistic styles of his peers.

You can have students “curate” their own exhibit of Chagall’s work. Each student should select five of Chagall’s works and write small didactic labels which could be displayed alongside the images chosen. Students could carry out this assignment independently and create a small gallery guide in which an image and the corresponding information is displayed, or the entire class could actually curate an exhibit with full-color replicas of Chagall’s work accompanied by the didactic labels. Studio art teachers could do this same assignment, but feature Chagall-inspired student work instead along with artist statements.

Students could choose one painting by Chagall which resonates with them. They could write a thorough analysis of the painting, its imagery and symbolism, as well as its historical and cultural significance. Students could also pen a poem inspired by the image which explores the feelings evoked by the painting. Teachers wishing to emphasize creative writing could have students draft a short story about one of the images as well.

Much of Chagall’s personal history and background influenced his work. Have students explore Chagall’s "I and the Village." Ask students to create a similarly autobiographical work either in pastel, pencil, paint, or the medium of their choice. An artist’s statement should accompany the work explaining the imagery. What follows are lessons that can be used to explore Marc Chagall's works.

Marc Chagall Lessons:

Daydreaming with Marc Chagall

Although this lesson is geared towards younger students, its content can be modified easily to suit older students. Students create their own paintings in the style of Chagall while receiving instruction in color and line theory. Detailed explanations of several of Chagall’s paintings are included. At the end of the lesson there are some excellent recommendations for books about Chagall.

Pieces of Mind: What's in a Dream?

Although this lesson does not deal with the art and work of Chagall directly, it does address one of the major themes in Chagall’s work: dreams. Students learn about the science behind dreams and the relationship between dreams and memories. Students have a chance to explore the imagery of dreams, and, if the teacher chooses, to create a work of art in the style of Marc Chagall’s "The Dream."

Getting Personal with Marc Chagall

Students learn about the life and work of Marc Chagall by examining and interpreting his paintings. They also analyze that which is realistic in his work and that which could occur only in a dream. Part of this lesson focuses on the work of Chagall’s contemporaries, such as Pablo Picasso, and on the history of Europe in the mid-twentieth century.