Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for the Union Church provides a rare opportunity for visitors to explore the creative process of renowned artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985).

In the 1960s, Chagall was commissioned by the Rockefeller family to create a large stained-glass window in memory of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., as well as eight smaller windows, for Union Church of Pocantico Hills. The resulting jewel-toned panels depict Old and New Testament subjects, including the parable of the Good Samaritan and several Hebrew prophets.

Sketching Light features 27 mixed media works on paper from Chagall’s preparatory studies for the project. These works, acquired by David Rockefeller in 1975 for the Rockefeller Archive Center, will be on public display for the first time since 1978.

Chagall’s first ideas for each window are roughly laid out in pencil or ink sketches. In successive iterations, he adds color with paint, pastel, and collage to create a multi-media maquette. It was important to Chagall that the maquettes capture the effect of sunlight on glass through the color values and opacity he depicted in the sketches.

One of the most renowned modernists of the 20th century, Chagall produced 10,000 works during his 75-year career. Although primarily known as a painter, the artist worked in a wide variety of materials and techniques, devoting himself to stained glass during the final decades of his career. Union Church was Marc Chagall’s first stained glass commission in the United States and remains the only church with Chagall windows in the country.

Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church is a collaboration between the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Rockefeller Archive Center. It is co-curated by Katrina London and Michele Hiltzik Beckerman in celebration of the Archive Center’s 50th Anniversary.

All visitors must reserve a free timed-entry ticket prior to visiting.

Visitors are encouraged to visit Union Church to see the completed windows on a tour led by Historic Hudson Valley. Separate tickets are required. Directions and tour information for Union Church is available at the DR Center and online.

The Pocantico Center

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Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church

By The Pocantico Center (other events)

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