Woman with Long Neck 

Bernard Reder created this woodcut, "Woman with Long Neck," at some point during his career. His work often reflects themes of identity and displacement, something that can be seen in the subject's elongated neck, an aesthetic choice that can be interpreted in many ways. The stark contrast between the black ink and white paper gives the artwork a sense of boldness. The woman's direct gaze and the angular lines of her body suggest a sense of strength. Looking at the historical context, we see Reder was a Jewish artist who fled Europe during World War II, eventually settling in New York. This experience of displacement profoundly influenced his work, often exploring themes of cultural identity. Art historians examine Reder’s background and the cultural milieu of the early to mid-20th century to understand the social conditions that shaped his artistic production. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.