The original painting was done in oil and gouache (a watercolor technique). Russian-born French artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985) is known for his works that reflected his Jewish heritage. Paris art dealer Ambroise Vollard had launched Chagall's book-illustrating career in the 1920s.he original painting was done in oil and gouache (a watercolor technique). Russian-born French artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985) is known for his works that reflected his Jewish heritage. Paris art dealer Ambroise Vollard had launched Chagall's book-illustrating career in the 1920s.