The Tribe of Naphtali (Twelve Maquettes of Stained Glass Windows for Jerusalem, CS.21), 1964

"The Tribe of Naphtali (CS.21)" is a lithograph on Arches created by Marc Chagall in 1964 for his 'Twelve Maquettes of Stained Glass Windows for Jerusalem' series. From the edition of 250, the artwork is signed 'Marc Chagall' lower right and annotated lower left. The artwork is framed in a custom closed corner black and gold frame and has a framed size of 38 x 30.5". The artwork ships framed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Marc Chagall stands among the towering figures of 20th century art, celebrated for his dreamlike imagery and his fusion of modernist innovation with spiritual and folkloric themes. A master across painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought a deeply personal and poetic vision to every medium. Born in a Hasidic Jewish village in Belarus and later based in France, he remained profoundly rooted in Jewish history, memory, and faith throughout his international career.

This iconic suite of twelve color lithographs represents the Twelve Tribes of Israel and is based on Chagall’s stained glass windows created for the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem in 1962. The windows are considered one of the most significant religious and cultural commissions of the 20th century. The lithographs were produced in 1964 by master printer Charles Sorlier at Atelier Mourlot in Paris and published by André Sauret and Mourlot in a carefully executed limited edition. Each print is hand signed by Chagall, combining artistic beauty with historical authenticity.

Each composition corresponds to one of Jacob’s twelve sons, including Judah, Levi, Benjamin, and Reuben. Chagall interpreted these biblical patriarchs not as distant historical figures but as living symbols of identity, faith, and continuity. The prints radiate with the luminous palette that defines the original stained glass, with rich reds, blues, greens, and yellows evoking fire, sky, earth, and spirit.

Symbolic imagery animates each work. Lions, birds, fish, ships, trees, and menorahs appear as emblems woven into layered compositions. Biblical references are suggested through visual cues rather than literal narration, allowing each print to function as both spiritual meditation and modern work of art. Together, the images form a powerful statement about resilience, divine promise, and collective memory.

The original windows remain installed in one of Israel’s most revered medical institutions, uniting healing and spirituality. These lithographs bring that monumental project into an intimate scale, making Chagall’s vision accessible to collectors and institutions worldwide.

The “Twelve Maquettes of Stained Glass Windows for Jerusalem” stands among Chagall’s most spiritually resonant print series. It reflects his lifelong engagement with sacred narrative, color symbolism, and Jewish identity, offering a timeless dialogue between tradition and modern artistic expression.