On July 7, 1887, in a small Russian village, a child was born who would become the famous and fascinating artist of the 20th century – Marc Chagall.  And through a unique set of circumstances, it was my great good fortune to have his friendship for the last eleven years of his life, and to have the opportunity to work closely with him.  

Let me take this opportunity to introduce you, the readers of this book, to the man who was a master in the world of art.  Marc Chagall, however, was much more than a powerful force as a painter, sculptor and poet.   He was a perceptive person with an intelligent, inquisitive mind, and a delightful sense of humor, and I want to share Chagall with you.

For the last thirty-five years I have lectured on Marc Chagall in many parts of the United States as well as in Israel, France and Austria.  Wherever I appear, people may not be familiar with my name, but they certainly do recognize the name of Chagall.  

In the course of my lectures, by describing the social, political, religious, educational and family environment of Chagall, I have offered an insight of the artist, which in turn reveals the meaning and understanding of his paintings and other artwork.  In addition, my personal stories of my friendship with Chagall have intrigued my audiences.  

I first met Chagall when I was thirty-nine years old and he was eighty-seven.  I am proud to have been on the periphery of his inner circle of friends, as the president of the American Association of the Chagall Biblical Message Museum and as chairperson of The Chagall Tapestry Committee for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Now, at age 84, I am one of the few living people able to relate the story about what it was like working with Chagall. I feel an immediate need to share my memories of the man and his ideas with an ever-widening audience.  In addition, I have specially designed the outline, appendix and bibliography of this volume to give direction for the reader and student who may wish to pursue additional research on the artist.  There have been many books written on Chagall the artist, but little has been written on Chagall, the person.   

In the years that I have been lecturing on Chagall, I have sought to interpret and spread his message of hope, peace, reconciliation and love.  Will this book inspire you to go out and work harder for a better world, as my friendship with Chagall has done for me?  I would hope so.  Nevertheless, as you turn the following pages, you will find a man who had an irresistible spirit, enjoyed life to the fullest, and is definitely a stimulating person with whom to spend a few hours – my friend, Marc Chagall.

From the Introduction of "Sharing Chagall: A Memoir" ©2010

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS INFORMATION:

LC Control Number:   2009905978
Brief Description:     Jacobson, Vivian R. 
Sharing Chagall : A Memoir / by Vivian R. Jacobson. 
United States : Belleray Press, c2009. 
160 p. : col. ill. ; 23 cm.
ISBN: 9781615397273 (pbk.)
1615397272 (pbk.)
LC Call Number: N6999.C46 J33 2009

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