In 1968, artist Marc Chagall designed a large-scale mural, “Orphée,” depicting the colorful, layered narratives loosely drawn from Greek mythology. At the center, Orpheus charms animals with his lute, alongside the Three Graces and the winged stallion Pegasus.

Yet, an even closer look reveals a deep connection to the artist’s personal experience. According to Chagall, this scene not only alludes to the immigrants and refugees who crossed the ocean to reach America but also references his own past: after he was smuggled out of Nazi-occupied France by the International Rescue Committee during World War II, the Jewish artist found safe haven in New York City.