Museum Art Reproductions A wheatfield on a summer`s afternoon, 1942 by Marc Chagall (Inspired By) (1887-1985, Belarus) | WahooArt.com

Marc Chagall (i) - Tempera (i) - 914 x 1524 cm - 1942 - Naive Art / Primitivism Chagall not only imparted his gifts to the world as a painter. His contributions can be found in the world of theatre, dance and even opera performances. In 1942, He got his first break as a stage designer for a Ballet performance produced by the American Ballet Theatre, then referred to as the “Ballet Theatre of New York”. He was put in charge of designing costumes for “Aleko”, as well as the scenery design. This painting was one of the four backdrops Chagall had to paint. The story of “Aleko” follows the young titular character in Russia as he leaves the urban life to enter a band of gypsies. There, Zemphira, one of the gypsies, becomes subject to his love. After an act of betrayal rendered by Zemphira, Aleko is consumed by anger and murders her along with her lover. “The Gypsies”, a romantic poem by Pushkin, was the basis of this play. Leonide Massine was the choreographer and the musical composition chosen to perform was Trio in A Minor by the revered romantic era composer, Pytor Ilvich Tchaikovsky. This painting was made by Chagall during his exile to America which lasted six years, and also showcases his distinct departure from the style of Cubism and Futurism.