Rabbi Reading 1919 - 1920

Max Weber made this woodcut, "Rabbi Reading," and with its simple cuts, it presents a reverent figure consumed by study. The stark contrast between black ink and the white of the paper gives it a real graphic punch. The physicality of the woodcut medium is important here. You can feel the pressure of the blade, the way it bites into the block to create these bold lines. Look at the Rabbi's beard. See how the parallel lines mimic the texture of hair? It's almost like Weber is carving not just an image, but a tactile experience. That careful attention to detail transforms a simple portrait into something deeply human. This piece reminds me of the German Expressionists, like Kirchner, who also used woodcuts to convey intense emotion. Weber’s work shares that same raw energy and commitment to making art a form of profound expression. It embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations over fixed meanings.