III.

Later Times

During the Middle Ages and after, Jews in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East built synagogues and schools in the prevailing local styles. Two of the few remaining early examples are the Alt-Neuschul in Prague, Czech Republic, in the Gothic style, and what is now the Sephardic Museum of El Tránsito in Toledo, Spain, in the Mudéjar style (both 14th century). Somewhat later are the 16th-century synagogue in Venice, Italy, rebuilt in the Baroque style, and the 18th-century Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, United States in the Georgian style. Synagogues in Eastern Europe, often elaborately carved wooden structures adorned with murals, were mostly destroyed by the Nazis in World War II.

The Jews also decorated the Old Testament and other religious works with illuminations. In the Middle East, under the influence of the iconoclasm that affected Byzantine art in the 8th and 9th centuries and the proscription of the portrayal of living things in religious Islamic art, such illuminations did not include animals or humans. In Spain and Germany, however, artists produced rich figural painting, especially on Haggadas, or books of Passover ritual. They depicted Old Testament scenes and Jewish symbols in local Mudéjar and Gothic styles.

Jewish artisans, especially in Eastern Europe, made fine, ornamental silverware for ritual use in synagogues and at home. Pieces included wine cups, plates, menorahs, spice boxes, and Hanukkah lamps. In the 20th century, ritual Jewish silver has tended towards a simplified style.

While throughout history many artists of Jewish descent have achieved prominence, their work has always been identified with the mainstream of Western art rather than classed as Jewish art, owing to the universality of subject matter. In the 19th century, however, some artists began to concentrate on aspects of Jewish culture to produce truly Jewish art. The Russian-born painter Marc Chagall and the Lithuanian-born sculptor Jacques Lipchitz have both produced works evoking specific Jewish themes, especially in commissions intended for the state of Israel. Artists living in Israel, while producing works in recognizable international styles, have begun to develop independent modes that give promise of an emerging Israeli style.