Customer Reviews

Jewish Art Masterpieces

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As one who has visited the Judaica collections of the Israeli Museum many times I can attest that this volume is a faithful reflection of many of the finest works there. This is a wonderful volume for all who take interest in Judaica. I would however question the word 'masterpiece' in the title of the work. Many of the fine pieces of craftsmanship shown may receive highest praise as what they are- but this does not mean that they are artistic masterpieces.

This review relates to Jewish Art Masterpieces, published by Hugh Lauter Leven Associates in conjunction with The Israel Museum.

Hardback cloth over boards with a sewn binding and gold print in a heavy dustjacket. 119 pp, principally illustrations, with 3 pp of bibliographic information and an index.

This handsome book consists of 48 large photographs of Jewish art masterpieces from a variety of cultures, each accompanied by commentary by editor Fishof or one of his collaborators.

These objects are varied, ranging the classic "fine arts" (an oil painting) to useful objects (a prayer stand) to something that isn't an "object" at all (a decorated ceiling.) The photographs are beautifully made and beautifully reproduced, with an immense amount of texture and color on display. These works hail from Jerusalem, Rome, Italy, Yemen, Germany, Poland, Afghanistan, Spain, Moravia, Turkey, Bohemia, Morroco, and more, yielding insights into rich and varied Jewish cultures.

From a personal perspective, I'd call this book good on the eye, good on the mind, good for the soul.