London Jewish Museum buys rare Chagall - 04/01/2010

The London Jewish Museum of Art has purchased a rare painting by Marc Chagall from an auction house in Paris.

The museum, which has only existed in its current format since 2001, has been slowly building up its collection over the last nine years, and the addition of this latest piece will only heighten its strengthening reputation.

'Apocalypse in Lilac: Capriccio', was created by Chagall in 1945 and is a depiction of the Holocaust. It is one of a number of Holocaust-related works by the artist, who produced the items following his discovery of the atrocities.

The image is perhaps of particular interest among art lovers as a result of is unusually dark nature, for Chagall was more largely known for a sunnier style.

A crucified Christ is depicted shouting at a Nazi storm trooper who is wearing a Hitler-style moustache and has a serpentine tail. Two other figures are hanged and crucified, while there also appears to be a stabbing taking place.

David Glassner, one of the museum's chairmen, said: "Who'd want to have this on the wall in their house? But as a piece of history, it is hugely important. And for us, we considered it a magnificent opportunity."

The painting was bought for 30,000 euros (£26,770).