Exhibition devoted to Marc Chagall opens in Mons this autumn

Mons’ museum of fine arts (CAP) is showing an exhibition of works by the Belarussian-born French artist Marc Chagall from 10 October.

Entitled Marc Chagall. Matières, “it offers a renewed perspective of one of the major artists of the 20th century” via matter, craftmanship and popular traditions, the museum said in a statement.

With more than 200 works and objects on display, the exhibition presents engraved and painted glass, ballet costumes and stage design projects alongside the artist’s iconic paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics and tapestries.

Born in Belarus in 1887 of Jewish origin, Chagall was an early modernist who contributed to several artistic styles through his painting, printmaking, ceramics and other creative outlets. He died in the French artist colony of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in 1985.

The show includes the artist’s tools, working materials, preparatory studies and archival documents in order to reveal the creative process and collaborations that shaped his work.

Chagall was also influenced by the period he spent in the United States after fleeing France during World War Two. In each country he lived, he was inspired by local artisanal and popular practices, from Russian folk and religious art, Mediterranean traditions and the forms and colours of pre-Hispanic craftsmanship he discovered in Mexico.

Recognised as one of the world’s pre-eminent Jewish artists, Chagall is also revered for his use and understanding of colour. His exploration of different techniques throughout his career is highlighted in the exhibition, showing them as an extension and complement to his primary medium of painting.

Organised in themed sections, the exhibition includes works from the city’s own collections of old art, ethnography and folk art and around 15 ceramics and textiles selected by the local Be Craft Association. Shown in dialogue with Chagall’s oeuvre, they offer a reflection on matter, gesture and transmission within contemporary creation, said the museum.

Marc Chagall. Matières
10 October to 14 February
CAP. Museum of Fine Arts
Rue Neuve 8
Mons

Photos: David et Bethsabée O/1 (d’après la lithographeie M.230) ©Fabrice Gousset/©SABAM 2026; Costume pour une gitane aux cartes (Aleko Scène II) ©Archives Marc et Ida Chagall/©SABAM 2026; La Bastille (Série de Paris) ©Fabrice Gousset/©SABAM 2026