Biography
Marc Chagall (1887-1985), a Russian-born French painter of Jewish origin, is one of the contemporary art world’s most iconic figures. After studying painting in St. Petersburg, he moved to Paris in 1910. Russian folklore, memories of his childhood and Biblical themes reflecting his Jewish heritage were the main sources of his inspiration. Along with creating numerous paintings, Chagall produced stained-glass windows, ceiling decorations, and murals for public buildings in Jerusalem, Paris, and in the U.S. In 1967 he designed a series of decorations for Mozart’s famous Magic Flute opera, including the Stage Curtain, which currently represents one of the finest art pieces in the Gerard L. Cafesjian Collection.