Sigvaldason Fine Art Inc.
Gimli, Manitoba
“Where Quality, Creativity & History Meet” Sigvaldason Fine Art specializes in the exhibition and sale of Canadian Historical, Post-War and Contemporary art.
MessageCollection: Saul Raskin (1878-1966) - American
Saul Raskin (1878–1966) was a Russian-born American artist, writer, lecturer, and critic, best known for his depictions of Jewish life and culture. Trained in lithography in Odessa, he traveled through Europe before immigrating to New York City in 1904 or 1905.
Raskin was a prolific satirical cartoonist and critic, contributing to Yiddish publications such as Der Groyser Kundes and Dos Naye Land. His writings explored the evolution of Jewish art, advocating for its development rooted in folk themes. He was also a dedicated educator, organizing museum tours and lectures to make art accessible to the Jewish public.
A realist painter and illustrator, Raskin’s works vividly captured Jewish traditions, the Lower East Side, and life in Palestine and Israel, where he traveled extensively. He illustrated numerous religious and cultural texts, including the Haggadah for Passover and Tehilim (The Book of Psalms).
An ardent Zionist, Raskin believed Jewish identity was central to his art, stating, "Above all, I am a Jewish artist." His work remains a significant contribution to Jewish-American cultural heritage.