Mane-Katz Paintings

Emmanuel Mané-Katz, known simply as Mane-Katz, was born on August 5, 1894, in Kremenchug, Russian Empire (now Ukraine). He was a Jewish artist, best known for his depictions of the Jewish experience in Eastern Europe and biblical themes. His work is characterized by a colorful palette and expressive brushwork, which was influenced by the Fauvist movement.

Mané-Katz moved to Paris in 1913 to study art, which was a turning point in his life and career. There, he became associated with the School of Paris, a group of artists that included prominent figures such as Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani. His early work reflected the influence of the Fauvists, particularly in his use of bright and bold colors. During World War I, he was forced to return to Russia, where he was drafted into the army.

After the war, he returned to Paris and continued his artistic pursuits. His work from the 1920s and 1930s began to focus more on Jewish themes, such as rabbis, klezmer musicians, and scenes of the shtetl (small Jewish towns in Eastern Europe). These subjects became the hallmark of his oeuvre and reflected his deep connection to his Jewish heritage.

Mané-Katz's work received international recognition, and he exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across Europe and the United States. Despite his success, the outbreak of World War II and the Holocaust deeply affected him. Many of his works during this period reflect the sorrow and tragedy of the time.

In addition to his paintings, Mane-Katz also collected Jewish ceremonial art and artifacts. He bequeathed his collection, as well as many of his paintings, to the city of Haifa, Israel. In 1953, the Mane-Katz Museum was established in Haifa, where his works and collection are displayed.

Mane-Katz continued to paint until his death in Haifa on December 8, 1962. Today, he is remembered as an artist who captured the spirit and culture of Eastern European Jewry, and his works continue to be celebrated for their vibrant expression of Jewish life and tradition.