For me a stained glass window is a transparent partition between my heart and the heart of the world
Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Chagall was one of life’s shining stars. According to Wikipedia he is described by art critic Robert Hughes as a ‘quintessential Jewish artist’. Yet such a description is truly too confining for a creator who saw his work as ‘not a dream of one people, but of all humanity.’ To me, an unbeliever, his work speaks of spirit – the soaring, transcending best of us that comes with a wry but kindly smile and, above all, forgiveness (for ourselves and for others).
The stained glass in the photo comes from a window in the auditorium at the Musee National Marc Chagall on Cimiez Hill in Nice, one of the loveliest little art galleries of the world. The hill, too, is surely a place of creative hallowed ground: just up the road from Chagall is the wonderful Matisse museum. Both artists were magician-shamans, masters of colour, form and light – their works the manifestation of their spirit-journeys that ever invite us to rise to the occasion and follow.
Chagall was still working in his nineties, his last commissioned work (I’ve just discovered) is the north stained glass window of Chichester Cathedral in Sussex, England. I feel a pilgrimage coming on. In the meantime another detail of the Nice window:
When Matisse dies, Chagall will be the only painter left who understands what colour really is.
Pablo Picasso
Tish Farrell 
Wow, I’d NOT know about the window in Chichester cathedral, Tish….I, too need to visit. Perhaps we should make it a joint venture?!
A joint venture would be wonderful, but I’m not sure when. But if I get the chance, will surely nudge you.
how very beautiful
what a divine post Tish! ‘Magician shaman’ indeed – thanks for introducing me to Chagall as stained glass artist – I have only ever seem his paintings. Talking of Pilgrimages – there is also his stained glass at Tudeley in Kent (a search has revealed)
“Will God or someone give me the power to breathe my sigh into my canvases, the sigh of prayer and sadness, the prayer of salvation, of rebirth?’– Marc Chagall”
p.s. and further to Pilgrimages did you know of The British Pilgrimage Trust? . Some interesting routes there
That’s a very wonderful Chagall quote, Laura. And many thanks for the link. It looks very beguiling – pathways for body and spirit; or simply for dreaming.
definitely on my wishlist for when my foot is up to it (the other one is just about ok!)
What have you done to yourself?
I think it is an ageing metatarsals problem!
That sounds painful. Might a foot roller help a bit? Bodyshop used to do nice wooden ones.
I have inherited a ridged one that looks like a form of torture 😉
Quite good in the instep area, I find though 🙂
There is truly something wonderful how stained glass is so alive when light touches it
Glass magic – neither quite fluid or solid 🙂
Wonderful post, Tish! I have seen photos of this gorgeous window. I hope you get to see it in person.
I love Chagalls work
Life enhancing even when the subjects are dark.
Matisse also knew the magic of stained glass. The church in Vence, France (not far from Nice), has Matisse’s tribute to the nuns who took care of him. Chagall’s work has that essence and influence of the light as represented in stain glass.
Yes, the Chapel at Vence is extraordinary work too. One could look at Matisse’s windows forever.
Beautiful!
I got to see an exhibition of his stained glass windows at New York Museum of Modern Art before they were installed in (I think) Jerusalem’s museum. They were amazing especially with sunlight behind them.
That was a very lucky viewing.
Lovely post Tish. I didn’t know of Chagall’s stained glass work — I’ve now searched on that and am enjoying even more beautiful images. Thank you.
That’s made me really happy. That you didn’t know, and now you do 🙂
Wow this is stunning. I’ll try and pop in when I’m next in Chichester, which seems to be weekly at the moment.
Oh please do. And gives a full report 🙂
Ok!
Oh I love his work. Thank you for sharing. I am a much more familiar with his paintings. I didn’t know he also did stained glass. Beautiful!
Alison
He has quite a repertoire in stained glass – worldwide commissions it seems. I am in awe of his irrepressible creativity.
These colours are beautiful together.
That’s really beautiful
It is!
Ooh, take me with you, Tish! I’ve never been to Chichester 🙂 🙂 His work is so beautiful. I’m sure I can rely on you to bring some blues back with you.
The least I can do 🙂
That blue is so intense and how could their be a prettier colour that this…Chagall knew this I think. Love this quote from him, he sounds like a fascinating guy!
What a radiant blue! Magical actually. The quote from Picasso is interesting too.
That blue lodges in the mind and the imagination doesn’t it.