The feat is even more impressive in light of his advanced age: he was 77 years old when the ceiling at the Opéra Garnier was painted. Marc Chagall, assisted by Roland Bierge, Paul Versteeg and Jules Paschal, found his way into the history of art in Paris.

The ceiling of the Opéra Garnier pays homage to 14 major composers of opera and lyrical music, as well as their oeuvres. If you are especially keen-eyed, you may find Chagall himself or André Malraux, who commissioned this monumental fresco. When you take a closer look, you can see discern winged characters, quintessential Parisian buildings and monuments like the Arc de Triomphe, and musical instruments. The ceiling of the Opéra Garnier stands out for its luminous colors and myriad details.

It took Chagall a year to successfully complete this imposing work, which can be interpreted as an encapsulation of the artist's personality. More than a ceiling: a lush, monumental work The opera's new ceiling was widely decried and contested when it was unveiled to the public on September 23, 1964, and the work at this iconic Paris opera house continues to elicit curiosity and stir passions.

The talented Marc Chagall was entrusted with painting 2,400 square feet of frescoes.

The ceiling of the Opéra Garnier was completely renovated and re-imagined in 1964 at the urging of Minister of Culture André Malraux. Admire the Chagall's frescoes, painted on the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier

Paris opera house ceiling painting