Often heralded as the most prolific Jewish artist, in the 1960s Marc Chagall found himself standing in the center of a synagogue in Jerusalem, speaking to a crowd of around three-hundred individuals. Above him, shining with vibrant color, were twelve stained glass windows he designed. The twelve windows, meant to represent the twelve gates of heaven, were Chagall’s gift to all Semite people. It was representational of the belief that their prayers would be heard directly in the kingdom of heaven. The artist spoke on this gift,
“This is my modest gift to the Jewish people who have always dreamt of biblical love, friendship, and peace among all peoples. This is my gift to the people who lived here thousands of years ago, among other Semitic people.”
Twelve is a number that is found countless times in the Torah, where Chagall drew his inspiration; Twelve gates of heaven, Twelve tribes of Israel, Twelve minor prophets, Twelve sons of Jacob, Twelve Springs of Water…
The number holds great significance and is rife with meaning. Specifically, Chagall utilized the twelve tribes of Israel for his representation, utilizing symbolism in the religious text to represent those tribes.
His planning was meticulously thought out, and sketched in various forms. He worked with his printer to bring to life color versions of the windows through Lithography. These lithographs contain some of the most vibrant colors Chagall used during his decades-long career. Critics ascertain that these windows and the design of them, though completed later in his life, are reminiscent of his ‘golden years’ and flourish with the vigor the artist is known for. These lithographs were created by Charles Sorlier under the direction of Marc Chagall.