Marc Chagall Museum in Nice

In 1966, Marc Chagall donated the group of paintings collectively known as “Biblical Message” to the French State. These paintings were exhibited at the Louvre and became the inspiration for the Musée National Marc Chagall in Nice which was inaugurated in 1973 and attended by the artist himself. This biblical series of 17 large scale paintings form the core of the exhibition. 250 works were initially donated by Chagall. Aside from the paintings, there are sculptures, bas reliefs, a ceramic piece, lithographs and copies of his illustrated books. A mosaic wall called, The Prophet Elijah, presides in the courtyard.

Every Chagall painting has more than one story to tell. I learned to watch for the little vignettes scattered throughout his canvases so I wouldn’t miss the rich narratives that define his works.

The Creation of Man, 1956-58

An angel carries Adam from the ocean where animals thrived prior to the creation of man. The rays of a swirling sun evoke the artistic style of Delaunay (whom Chagall knew). It figures prominently on top right of the canvas where a crucified Christ rises above the sun while a woman carrying a shawl leads the Jews to their synagogue.

Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise, 1961

In this oil painting, an angel drives Adam and Eve out of paradise who are seen mounted on a cockerel, a symbol of vitality and fertility. Notice the small mother and child painting on the lower right hand side.

Abraham and the Angels, 1960-66

Sarah and Abraham who are at an advanced age, learn from the angels that they will have a child. The dominant color of the painting is red which represents life and love. Oil on canvas.

Sacrifice of Isaac, 1960-66

An angel stops Abraham from offering his son in sacrifice. Abraham and Isaac are “lit up by the flame of the holocaust”. Oil on canvas.

Jacob's Dream, 1966

Jacob had a dream in which he saw a stairway reaching up to heaven and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. At the top of the stairs stood the Lord and He said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 29:12-15.

Moses receiving the Tablets of the Law, 1960-66

The Israelites await the return of Moses (bottom left) while others have abandoned him and are worshiping the Golden Calf. Notice the two diagonals in this painting. The first is Moses receiving the tablets from the hands of God. The second is the mountain on which he stands. Oil on canvas. 237cm x 233cm (93.3in x 91.7in)

The Passage thru the Red Sea, 1955

The Jews are guided by an angel as they cross the Red Sea pursued by Pharaoh and his army. A wave forms in the center of the painting, hindering the passage of the Pharoah and a scene of chaos ensues. Chagall's use of red paint further highlights the chaotic scene.

Noah and the Rainbow. 1961-1966

The angel announces the end of the flood marking the end of divine wrath. Noah raises his eyes toward the rainbow which Chagall depicts as a white curve. The misfortunes and flight of the Jewish people from the blazing houses are chronicled in the background. Oil on canvas.

The world of the circus paintings

Le Cirque Bleu, 1950

Marc Chagall was fascinated by the circus and would often sit in the audience and sketch the colorful characters he saw. Le Cirque Bleu represents an acrobat on a trapeze. A flying fish throws a bouquet of flowers on the top left of the canvas. On the right is a rooster with a musical instrument and a yellow moon. The bottom of the painting is anchored by a green horse, green being the color of love for Chagall.

La Danse, 1950

Chagall painted Christ on the cross to convey the sanctity of dance. The painter holds a rooster on the right side of the canvas which animal represents vitality and creativity. At the bottom of the painting is a group of young women dancing in a circle. Primary colors of blue, red, yellow, and green are used to paint The Dance which is both bright and dynamic.

The Acrobat, 1930

This artist depicts a typical French village with a boulangerie, stores and a church with a Roman style door. The acrobat is wearing a rich costume with floral ornamentation. She seems to float and is met by the face of a man (top left) who is giving her a kiss.

This stained glass window is one of three windows depicting the creation. It is in the auditorium of the museum. 

How to get there:
The museum is located in the hills above central Nice and is accessible by bus #15. I walked up to the museum from Avenue Jean Medecin near the train station. Lots of stairs to climb. Entrance fee is 8 euros.

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Images by TravelswithCharie