The painting "The birthday" by Marc Chagall is an ode to love capable of soaring above the everyday

"The Birthday" is a painting created by Marc Chagall at the age of 28. The author began working on it on his birthday, July 7, 1915. The event occurred shortly before the artist's wedding to his first wife, Bella Rosenfeld, whom he called his main muse. The canvas depicts a domestic scene with allegorical meaning. The simple furnishings of a small room serve as a backdrop to portray the profound power of lovers' kiss. Tender feelings cause the man to ascend while the woman forgets about the preparations for the festive dinner. Holding a bouquet in her hands, she strives upwards, following her beloved.

The table, the street outside the window, the modest rugs, the corner of the couch, the edge of the wall clock— all these elements emphasize that people need very little to be happy. The main thing is their love. It transforms the space, adding vibrant colors. The woman wears a black dress, while the man wears a green shirt. With a red floor and white walls, sharp contrasts are present throughout, without shadows or unnecessary details.

The diagonal arrangement of the figures and the open window seem to suggest that happiness knows no bounds. It appears as if they could fly away like birds from a cramped cage, and nothing can restrain the flight of kindred souls.

Marc Chagall. The Birthday, 1915

• Title of the painting: "The Birthday."
• Artist: Marc Chagall (1887-1985).
• Year of creation: 1915.
• Size: 80.5 x 99.5 cm.
• Style: Primitivism, Surrealism.
• Genre: Genre painting.
• Technique: Oil painting.
• Material: Canvas.
• Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Marc Chagall is a renowned Russian artist of the 20th century. He actively developed avant-garde styles and followed the path of expressionism and surrealism. Expanding the boundaries of reality, the master incorporated elements of national self-perception into his artwork. It is no wonder that the flight of lovers finds reflection in several of his works.

Marc Chagall chose a challenging path in painting. On one hand, his works border on primitivism, while on the other hand, they exhibit a unique harmony of emotions and visionary perception. In pursuit of content, he sacrifices realism, yet every detail on the canvas is instantly recognizable.

The painting "The Birthday" by Marc Chagall was created in Vitebsk and has been exhibited in both Russia and abroad. It is considered one of the key works that reflect the essence of his artistic worldview. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York as a vivid example of contemporary art.