In this luminous moonlit scene, Marc Chagall brings to life the characters of Aleko and his wife Zemphira from an old Russian love tale. Commissioned to design illustrations and stage sets for the ballet Aleko, Chagall draws deeply from the story’s emotional intensity, passion, and drama to craft this evocative work.

The painting shows Aleko embracing Zemphira beneath a radiant moon, their figures enveloped in rich shades of midnight blue. A vivid red rooster stands out in the composition, symbolizing virility and rebirth. The use of bright red also echoes the intensity of romantic love, creating a striking contrast with the deep blues and amplifying the emotional resonance of the scene.

Like many of Chagall’s romantic works, the couple floats above a detailed townscape, as if suspended in time—alone in their eternal embrace. The story behind the image follows Aleko, an aging husband deeply devoted to his young, carefree wife. Through a journey of emotional revelation, Aleko confronts the meaning of true love, his values, and his moral compass.

The tale, echoing the depth and tragedy of Shakespearean drama, serves as a powerful foundation for Chagall’s poetic and visually stirring interpretation.