New Chagall Exhibition Coming to Jewish Museum Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (May 28, 2024) – A new exhibit Chagall’s Dead Souls: A Satirical Account of Imperialist Russia, showcasing the etchings of world-renowned artist Marc Chagall, will be on view June 7 to September 8 at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. The originally curated JMM exhibit in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Art Collection will feature 96 rarely seen etchings from Chagall’s illustrated version of Ukrainian-born satirist Nikolai Gogol’s novel, ‘Dead Souls’.

“Dead Souls,” often hailed as Russia’s first major novel, is a satire aimed at the social hypocrisy of 19th-century Imperialist Russia. Gogol’s work explores political and social divides through the story of its despicable, yet colorful protagonist. Chagall’s surreal and caricature-like imagery perfectly complements Gogol’s biting commentary, resulting in a magical and inspired pairing. This exhibit not only highlights the synergy between Gogol’s prose and Chagall’s etchings but also underscores their joint critique of societal flaws, many of which resonate with contemporary issues.

Widely acclaimed as the greatest Jewish painter of all time, Chagall’s work seamlessly shifts from reality to fantasy, and from the physical to the spiritual. His unique perspective, influenced by his experiences in Russia and France, brings a dynamic and multifaceted approach to the etchings. Visitors of Chagall’s Dead Souls will have the unique opportunity to explore the worlds of literature and visual art and the timeless collaboration between Nikolai Gogol and Marc Chagall.

An opening preview will be held on the evening of June 6 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Additional programming related to the themes of Chagall’s Dead Souls: A Satirical Account of Imperialist Russia will be held throughout the duration of the exhibit. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

This program is supported by the Estate of BettyAnn Croen, Greater Milwaukee Foundation – Mary A. Tingley Fund, Suzy Ettinger*, Linda & Eli Frank, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Susan Lubar, Anonymous Foundation*, Anonymous Individual, Bruce and Tanya Arbit*, Jane & Steve Chernof, Neena & Richard Florsheim, Greater Milwaukee Foundation – Robert L. and Dolores Schlossmann Family Fund, Debra & Moshe Kratz*, Margie & Jon Margolies, Cathy & Randy Nemerovski, Betsy Rosenblum & Richard Buchband, Elaine Appel, Sharon & Richard Canter*, Robin & Dr. Bernard Cohen, Annaliese & Max Dickman, Noah & Rebecca Domnitz, Joan Becker Freidman & Mike Freidman*, Saveon Grenell, Dan & Stacey Kohl, Alex Lasry & Lauren Markowitz Lasry, Judy Saichek, Daniel Schnur, Dori Frankel Steigman & Jason Steigman, and Sue & Rick Strait.

Media Sponsor: Wisconsin Public Radio

*Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.