Masterworks of The Jewish Museum Maurice Berger and Joan Rosenbaum

This magnificent book explores the culture, history and beliefs of the Jewish people by presenting an extraordinary selection of works from the renowned collection of the Jewish Museum in 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, Richard Avedon, and many others; and selections of video and still images from television and film, ranging from documentaries and dramas to situation comedies. Masterworks of The Jewish Museum begins with two complementary essays: a lively overview of the museum's history by Joan Rosenabum, documenting the evolution of the collection and the key figures who founded the institution; and a provocative discussion by Maurice Berger of the museum's significance within the context of collecting and exhibiting practices over the past century. The book features a superb range of artworks grouped thematically into four categories: memory and history; spirituality and faith; society and politics; and portraiture and identity. Each work is accompanied by a short essay providing description and interpretation. Together the reproductions and informative text reveal in fascinating ways how Jewish culture has evolved through the centuries and across continents. 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.