Musicians on a Green Background

In this image of four musicians set against a backdrop of verdant green, Marc Chagall expresses the power of music to enliven the soul. United by the rhythmic curves of their bodies, the little band sways and taps to the sounds of fiddle, pipes and drum. The pure tones of their red, yellow and blue costumes are virtually audible. Throughout his life, in paintings, drawings, prints, stained glass windows, theatrical sets, costume designs and ceiling decor like that in the Paris Opera, Chagall celebrated the spirit of music and those who perform it.