Marc Chagall, The America Windows, 1977 The Art Institute of Chicago
Celebrating religious freedom, opportunity, and diversity, Marc Chagall dedicated The America Windows (Chagall Windows) to the city of Chicago. Known for his fabrication of many famous cathedral windows around the world in countries such as Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, these windows serve as Chagall’s personalized greeting card to America. Luminous, they paint a romantic picture of the American Dream, eternalizing Chagall’s admiration for a vibrant city by capturing the blues music of Chicago, and the concepts of peace and religious freedom immortalizing the idea that we can achieve anything we want in America.
Marc Chagall’s America Windows are famous in their own right, but are perhaps most well known for their brief appearance in the John Hughes’ movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The windows set a tender scene between teenage lovers Ferris Bueller and his girlfriend Sloan Peterson. During an interview with John Hughes, he says that the scene at the Chicago Art Institute is “indulgent” and “used it as an opportunity to go back and show all of his favorite pieces.” Chagall does something very similar with this piece by visiting three of the concepts of the American Dream.
The first panel dives into Chicago’s rich history as a hub for rhythm and blues music. People playing instruments as well as floating guitars and fiddles are depicted in the blue glowing panes of the first window. The radiant history of the city warms hearts, reminding Chicagoans of their rich background of soulful melodies in the homeland of the blues. Chicago natives take great pride in their history, and it is perfectly captured here through Chagall’s work. The music and soul of musicians such as Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters are captured within this panel. The blues is spiritual music. “We’re on a mission from God,” is the mantra for Jake and Elwood Blues to get their band back together to prevent their church from closing. Cathedral style windows are perfect for encompassing the spirituality of blues music, a smart decision made on Chagall’s part.
The second panel illustrates the unity and peace found within the multiple neighborhoods of the city. A giant dove surrounded by olive branches watches over the city day and night. The panel also serves as a prayer for the city. After the passing Chicago mayor, Richard Daley in 1976, the city was left with a large hole and in a state of mourning. The figure on the left side of the pane lights a candle in remembrance of the late great Chicago mayor.
Finally the third panel symbolizes the importance of religious freedom in America. An angel like figure, menorah, and rose window are shown in the final panel. Immigrants of all different backgrounds are celebrating and literally being thrown into “The Great American Melting Pot.” References of Christianity and Judaism are important to note because of Chagall’s Jewish faith and his extensive work in cathedral windows. It’s referential to his experience in America.
These windows are significant because they tell the story of us. They unify not only Chicagoans, but also America. They continue to glow and exude a rich tapestry that helped make our country what it is today. Created by a Jewish immigrant, they are the quintessence of the American Dream. Nearly every American citizen can relate to coming from a family of immigrants trying to build a life for themselves in the land of opportunity.
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