A red horseMarc Chagall · 1938

Identification of A Red Horse by Marc Chagall

A red horse is an oil on canvas painting created by Marc Chagall in 1938. The work was produced in Paris, France. This piece is categorized within the Surrealism art movement and functions as a symbolic painting. The canvas measures 114.5 x 103 cm.

The artwork is currently held at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes in Nantes, France. It represents a specific moment in the artist's career during the late 1930s. The medium of oil paint allows for a specific application of color and texture across the surface of the work.

Composition and Visual Elements of the Work

The composition is anchored by the crimson color of the horse, which occupies the upper portion of the canvas. This figure soars through a deep, nocturnal sky, carrying a rider toward the infinite. Below this central movement, a couple is depicted in an embrace, grounding the scene in human emotion. The background consists of muted, darker tones that provide a contrast to the primary subject. Various human and fantastical characters are positioned throughout the space, engaged in different activities.

Within the midground and background, musicians are shown playing violins and cellos. These figures exist alongside other characters that appear to be floating. The arrangement of these elements creates a sense of movement across the oil on canvas. The use of color relies on the contrast between the bright red of the horse and the dark, nocturnal backdrop. The application of paint creates a visible texture across the surface of the work.