“Belonging and Betrayal: How the Jews Made the Art World Modern”

On March 29, 2023, Professor Charles Dellheim joined the Jewish Studies Program at Purchase College to give a lecture on his book, Belonging and Betrayal: How Jews Made the Art World Modern. The lecture was attended by students, faculty, and members of the community interested in the intersection of Jewish culture and the art world.

Dellheim’s book explores the significant impact that a small number of Jews had on the European art world in the 20th century. Despite being outsiders on the margins of society, these individuals were able to exert enormous influence on high culture, becoming the “Old Masters’ new masters and the modernists’ champions.”

During the lecture, Dellheim delved into what this reveals about the relationship between Jews, art, and modernity. He argued that the success of these Jewish artists and intellectuals in the art world was due in part to their ability to navigate the complex and often contradictory cultural and political landscapes of the time. Their outsider status allowed them to see the art world with fresh eyes and to challenge traditional notions of what constituted “good” art.

Dellheim’s work is part of a larger trend in Jewish studies that seeks to understand the relationship between Jewish culture and the wider world. By focusing on the art world, he sheds light on a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of Jewish cultural history.

The lecture was followed by a question and answer session, during which audience members had the opportunity to ask Dellheim about his research and his thoughts on the broader implications of his work. The event was a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the complex intersection of Jewish culture and the art world, and left attendees with a deeper appreciation for the role that Jews have played in shaping modern culture.