The definition of Jewish art since the modern age: Nationalism and Identity

Abstract

This paper begins with the first definitions found in art historiography related to the concept of Jewish art and traces their evolution over time, from their conception to the present day, from the period of the Enlightenment to the creation of the State of Israel. This work verifies the extraordinary difficulty in settling on a simple definition, but also tries to provide the necessary means to advance that definition. To that end, the three basic elements influencing its essence are analysed: national consciousness, the artist and the artwork. An investigation of each element to determine which possesses the unique key that would make it possible to establish a definition results in the conclusion that this is not possible without including all three. A definition of Jewish art for contemporary times entails a search for consistency in that art in its likely national character and the attributes conferred upon the practice by the artists’ cultural affiliation with Judaism or by the particular nature of their works in and of themselves. A conclusive definition is not put forward, but it is clearly shown that in the contemporary age, the concept of nationality serves as a unifying force for all other possible factors. This article provides a thorough review of the most important texts in the current historiography on Jewish art.