Masterworks of The Jewish Museum »

This beautifully illustrated book explores the culture, history, and beliefs of the Jewish people by presenting an extraordinary selection of works from the collection of The Jewish Museum, New York. Ranging from antiquity to the present day, these artworks and ritual objects include a fourth-century glass vessel and ancient burial plaques; exquisite Torah decorations and marriage contracts; stunningly ornate Hanukkah lamps and spice containers; beautiful paintings and prints by such artists as Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, Marc Chagall, and Ben Shahn; striking contemporary works by Leonard Baskin, Sol LeWitt, George Segal, Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and many others; and selections of video and still images from television and film, ranging from documentaries and dramas to situation comedies. Two introductory essays discuss the history and significance of The Jewish Museum, followed by a superb range of artworks grouped thematically in categories such as memory and history; spirituality and faith; society, politics, and community; text and representation; and television and culture. Each work is accompanied by a short essay providing description and interpretation. Together the reproductions and lively text tell the fascinating story of how Jewish culture has evolved through the centuries and across continents.

Author Biography: Maurice Berger is Senior Fellow at the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at New School University; Joan Rosenbaum is the Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director at The Jewish Museum; Vivian B. Mann is the Morris and Eva Feld Chair in Judaica at The Jewish Museum; and Norman L. Kleeblatt is the Susan and Elihu Rose Curator of Fine Arts at The Jewish Museum.

Published in association with The Jewish Museum, New York

The Washington Post - Warren Bass

The museum's splendors -- encompassing both Chagalls and challah covers -- are celebrated in Masterworks of The Jewish Museum, by Maurice Berger and Joan Rosenbaum, which features handsome photographs of art and artifacts from the permanent collection alongside gratifyingly clear descriptions by the museum's staff.