Fortune and the Little Child 1927 - 1930

Marc Chagall created this etching titled "Fortune and the Little Child," sometime during his long career. The image depicts a woman suspended above a well, her form abstracted and ethereal. Chagall was a Jewish artist who was born in Belarus, part of the Russian Empire. He experienced significant cultural upheaval, including displacement due to war and antisemitism. His work often blends folklore, religious symbolism, and personal experience. It is difficult to date this work precisely but his etchings of the 1920’s and 30’s, which illustrated literary texts, were often created under considerable pressure and are marked by a distinct psychological distress. This piece invites us to consider the relationship between fate, innocence, and the harsh realities of life. Understanding Chagall's biography and the historical context of early 20th-century Eastern Europe can deepen our appreciation. Further research into Jewish folklore and Chagall's personal symbolism may reveal further insights into the artwork’s meaning.