Born to a family of embroiderers, Abraham Hirsch (1828–1913) studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, France. Because the traditional apprentice system was often closed to Jews who faced endemic antisemitism, the burgeoning academic system offered more opportunity for aspiring Jewish architects. Hirsch was the first known Jew to have attended a Western school of architecture, and he went on to become the chief architect of Lyon. He designed numerous buildings in the city, including the Grand Synagogue of Lyon, which was completed in 1864. Designed in the neo-Byzantine style, the synagogue is now designated an official historic monument.
Tartakover is best known as a graphic artist and for his political posters. He considers himself a “local designer” with an obligation to speak out on Israeli political and social issues, especially…
Prisoners, naked and bound, in embossed relief, Assyria, Iron Age II, 9th century BCE. These prisoners, from a city in Syria, were conquered by the army of Shalmaneser III, King of Assyria (reigned…
Jacob’s Ladder, painted by Grobman after immigrating to Israel, continues the artistic approach he formulated in the 1960s in the Soviet Union—i.e., “magical symbolism,” which used mystical imagery…