1894 – 1951
Arthur Szyk
“I do not say that art is my aim; art is my means.”
– Arthur Szyk
Left to right: Ink and Blood (Self-Portrait), 1944; photograph of the artist with his illuminated Declaration of Independence, 1950; New Year’s and Christmas Greeting to Mr. and Mrs. A. Decour (self-portrait detail), 1926.
Jewish artist Arthur Szyk (pronounced “Shick”) was an unparalleled artist and illuminator, a proud son of Poland, and a self-described “soldier in art” who used his pen and brush to advocate for religious tolerance, racial equality and human dignity. Active in the years leading up to World War II and during the Holocaust, Szyk became one of America’s most celebrated political artists for his powerful artistic and social contributions against fascism.