The Circus Rider

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The Circus Rider
Marc Chagall 1887-1985
c. 1927
oil on canvas
Art Institute of Chicago

Chagall was known for his use of color and is considered a forerunner of the modern movement. He was interested in subjects from folklore and circus performers. The costumed figure stands on the back of a horse, his leg held up close to his body. A winged fairy flies in the background beneath a full moon; perhaps a reference to magic or folklore. He painted other images of female horse riders on this same theme.

The influence on his work of Russian icons can be seen by his use of flat figures existing in an unreal space. This work is from earlier in his career while he was living in France.

Chagall's work cannot help but make you happy. The use of color and the celebratory and fantastical subjects can't help but have that effect.