Nathan Altmann, The Candlestick, 1923, Lithograph

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The artwork titled "Der Leuchter" (The Candelabra) is a striking lithograph from Nathan Altmann's "Jüdische Graphik" series, produced in a … Read more The artwork titled "Der Leuchter" (The Candelabra) is a striking lithograph from Nathan Altmann's "Jüdische Graphik" series, produced in a limited edition of only 250 copies in 1923. This work exemplifies Altmann's avant-garde style, blending traditional Jewish themes with the modernist aesthetics of Cubism. The candelabra, traditionally a significant symbol in Jewish culture—often associated with the menorah—here is abstractly interpreted, adding layers of cultural and spiritual meaning. Altmann’s choice of a burnished gold background not only enriches the visual impact but also elevates the symbolic elements, giving the artwork a solemn and revered quality. This specific piece, like others from the series, was produced in Berlin by the publisher "Petropolis," reflecting the vibrant Jewish artistic community that existed in pre-war Europe. Altmann’s work, especially given his background as a Jewish artist in Soviet Russia, often navigated between his cultural identity and the broader avant-garde movements, making each of his pieces historically and artistically significant. This print, considering its rarity and the mystery surrounding the number of surviving copies, is an exceptional representation of Jewish cultural history intertwined with early 20th-century art movements. Nathan Altman was an influential figure in the Russian and Soviet avant-garde movement. Born in 1889 in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, he studied at the Odessa Art School, later moving to Paris to further his education at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere. Altman's style evolved over the years, showing strong influences from Cubism and Futurism, which are evident in his approach to stage design and book illustration as well. Altman's contributions extend beyond visual arts; he was also notable for his set designs for Jewish theaters in Petrograd and Moscow, bringing a modernist touch to traditional themes. His work remains a significant part of the Russian avant-garde legacy, influencing not only art but also the cultural interpretation and representation of Jewish identity in early 20th-century Russia. See less