“ I want an art of the earth and not merely an art of the head”: after moving back to France in 1923, Chagall and his wife Bella often spent time in Normandy, which was a major source of inspiration for his work. Chagall wanted to capture the light and atmosphere of French landscapes. His choice to depict cows is indicative of his fondness for meek animals, defenceless against humans and yet eager to provide companionship.