Chagall was one of the first painters to use such vibrant and pure colors. In this scene, the house on the right is painted blue, which gives the feeling of isolation. The person-like figure in the open door way seems to be all alone. The house itself is run down, evident from the mismatched pieces on the roof and siding. The red brick on the left side of the structure, gives the sense of stability; however, it cuts through the house at more geometrical angles against the roundness of the logs.

The city in the background, looks grand and locked compared to the blue house. The feeling of being trapped in the city comes across through the river, the green and yellow cliff, and by the blue and red wall. The wall of the city and the roofs, complement the house. The reflection of the city in the river gives the impression of seeing the true city which looks darker, and gloomy. That feeling of being away from the city matches Mary Katherine's desire for isolation from the dangerous mob.