Country Club: Dogs and Jews Keep Out c. 20th century

Curator: The starkness of this print, "Country Club: Dogs and Jews Keep Out" by Harry Sternberg, really hits you, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. The high-contrast black ink makes the scene feel so blunt and unforgiving. The silhouette of that child below the gates... it’s heartbreaking. Curator: Sternberg, born in 1904, used his art to comment on social injustices. The print reflects the exclusionary practices faced by Jewish people in the mid-20th century. Editor: The sign is so explicit in its prejudice, but it’s also symbolic of broader systemic discrimination. It speaks to the power structures that limit opportunities based on identity. Curator: Exactly. Sternberg's visual language forces us to confront the reality of those power structures and the ways they manifest in everyday life. Editor: It serves as a chilling reminder of how insidious prejudice can be, even in places of leisure and privilege. Curator: Yes. This print is a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and equity. Editor: An uncomfortable but essential piece for any collection, I think.