La bouteille de Bordeaux 1950

Marc Chagall’s ‘La bouteille de Bordeaux’ presents us with a seemingly simple still life, yet it is rich with layered symbolism. The fish, lemons, and wine are not mere objects; they are carriers of cultural memory. Consider the fish: a symbol that swims through time, from early Christian iconography, where it represented Christ, to its more earthly connection to sustenance and the sea. In ancient Greece, fish were linked to Aphrodite, goddess of love, thus intertwining themes of spirituality and sensuality. These symbolic echoes resonate in Chagall's work, subtly evoking layers of meaning. Note how these motifs resurface in various contexts, their significance evolving with each appearance. Such cultural palimpsests engage us on a deep, subconscious level, connecting us to the collective experiences of humanity across millennia.