Sloth I (La Paresse I) from The Seven Deadly Sins (Les Sept péchés capitaux)

Sloth I (La Paresse I) from The Seven Deadly Sins (Les Sept péchés capitaux) by Marc Chagall is a compelling example of the artist's engagement with classical moral themes rendered through modernist graphic techniques. Created in 1925 and formally published in 1926, this piece is one of sixteen prints that comprise the complete portfolio dedicated to the seven vices and related allegories. The chosen medium, etching and drypoint, allows Chagall to utilize deep, precise lines and nuanced textural effects, generating the atmosphere of moral weight and internal turmoil appropriate for the subject matter.

While recognized globally for his vibrant, often joyous paintings incorporating motifs of Russian folklore, Chagall frequently turned to challenging literary and biblical subjects for his graphic output. The series, Les Sept péchés capitaux, represents a striking stylistic shift, utilizing darker, sometimes grotesque imagery far removed from his typical colorful canvases. This print, Sloth I (La Paresse I), addresses the theme of inertia and moral neglect. Chagall captures the essence of la paresse not through straightforward illustration, but through distorted figures and heavy symbolic forms characteristic of his unique French interpretation of Modernism.

The composition underscores Chagall’s mastery of the severe lines inherent in the etching process, demonstrating his commitment to elevating printmaking as a primary artistic form. The completion and subsequent publication of these powerful prints in 1926 cemented Chagall's reputation within the post-war European avant-garde. This historically significant work of early 20th-century prints is securely housed in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it serves as a crucial document for studying Chagall’s multifaceted career beyond painting.