Depictions of the Jewish Quarter
Depictions of the Jewish Quarter
Works of Art from the Collection of the Maribor Art Gallery
3 September 2023–19 January 2024
opening: Sunday, 3 September 2023, 11.00
artists: Ivan Kos, Josip Peteln, Oton Polak, Marjan Remec, Fran Stiplovšek, Avgusta Šantel Jr.
curator: Simona Vidmar Čelik
Picturesque views of the streets and squares of the medieval Maribor were popular subjects to depict for the town’s artists in the first half of the 20th century. The vedute, which are connected with a realistically depicted view of the town or its individual architectural features, were created using various simple techniques: drawing, watercolour, gouache and printmaking. The views of the preserved part of the mighty southeast-facing town walls with the former Jewish quarter, the synagogue and the rampart tower are probably the most dramatic part of the old town of Maribor. Apart from its architectural qualities, this part of the town boasts the almost forgotten wealth of history of the town’s Jewish community and its inhabitants.
The selection of ten works of art from the Maribor Art Gallery’s collection follows the period from 1917 to 1959, which was a turbulent era of history characterised by diverse political systems and states. The appearance of the Jewish quarter, however, remained unchanged throughout. Despite the extensive architectural work carried out during renovation of the square, the Jewish quarter remains one of the most pleasant areas of the old town; full of history, people of note and extraordinary stories. Artists entered this world as observers, as well as admirers, in search of inspiration and pleasure. Their tiny drawings and prints feature the views of the town we seek out so as to imprint them in our minds for eternity.
Works of Art and Artists:
IVAN KOS
JOSIP PETELN
OTON POLAK
MARJAN REMEC
FRAN STIPLOVŠEK
AVGUSTA ŠANTEL Jr.
