Rabbi Reading 1919 - 1920

Max Weber made this print, Rabbi Reading, with woodcut on paper. Weber was deeply involved in the social issues of his time, and he often depicted Jewish immigrants in New York City. The grainy texture and tonal range are inherent qualities of woodcut, achieved through careful carving of the block and application of ink. Weber would have used gouges to remove material, leaving a raised surface to catch the ink. This process is both physical and thoughtful, requiring the artist to consider the negative space around the figure. The resulting image has a directness that is a hallmark of printmaking. Consider the amount of work involved in producing such a print: from the harvesting of the woodblock, to the labor involved in the printmaking process. By engaging with a tradition so closely tied to labor and production, Weber elevates the status of craft, prompting us to reconsider traditional distinctions between fine art and design.