Jews and Modern Art

What did Jews contribute to the modern art movement? Was modernism essentially Jewish? How did Jewish outsiders come to acquire so many modern masterpieces?

Boston University history professor and author Charles Dellheim explores these questions, illuminates new findings about the role of Jewish art collectors, artists, and gallerists in this compelling new three-part course. Drawing from the deep research Dellheim presents in his new book Belonging and Betrayal: How Jews Made the Art World Modern, you’ll consider this pivotal role in the triumph of modern art, how they championed artistic innovators and marketed their work, and how their sudden prominence in an art world previously dominated by gentiles provoked a furious backlash, leaving them targeted by Nazis who condemned modern art as both Jewish and degenerate, and ransacked prized collections.

Throughout the course, Dellheim will spotlight the lives and works of major Jewish art dealers and collectors and their relationships with the artists they represented — among them Modigliani, Liebermann, Severini, Picasso, Braque and Matisse. Students will come away with new knowledge and perspectives on how Jews made the art world modern.

Purchase Belonging and Betrayal: How Jews Made the Art World Modern

This program will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 9, and 16 from 3-4 pm ET. Sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing by those who register.