Polnischer Jude 1831

Friedrich von Amerling, an Austrian painter, created this oil painting, entitled ‘Polnischer Jude,’ sometime in the 19th century. The artwork invites us to consider the representation of Jewish people in European art and society. The title, which translates to ‘Polish Jew,’ immediately labels the subject by his ethnicity and religion, pointing to the ways in which identity was often constructed and perceived in 19th-century Europe. Consider the sitter's dress and beard, which mark him out as different. How do these visual codes reflect or challenge contemporary stereotypes? The image was made during a period of increasing nationalism and social change. What role did art play in shaping or reflecting these social and political forces? To understand the painting better, we might research the history of Jewish communities in Austria and Poland, looking at the social and cultural context in which this artwork was produced. We can ask how institutions help to shape the production and reception of art.