The Fox and the Goat 1927 - 1930

Marc Chagall made this etching, The Fox and the Goat, using delicate lines to bring the scene to life. Imagine Chagall bent over the plate, carefully layering crosshatched lines, building up this curious fable. Just look at the goat, stuck in what looks like a well! Can you see the fox perched above, a sly look in its eye? I wonder if Chagall felt a bit like that goat sometimes, stuck in a situation, looking up at the world with a mix of hope and helplessness. The light and shadow in this print are incredible, created with such simple means. It reminds me of other artists like Paula Rego, who also delve into the darker sides of stories with animals taking on human characteristics. The textures create depth, don’t they? Each tiny mark, each careful stroke, adds to the emotional complexity. What a conversation these artists have, across time and place! We bring our own experiences to bear when considering these images.