From the Pages of Yedies

by ROBERTA NEWMAN

In August 1935, YIVO inaugurated a new art museum, during its international conference, when the YIVO building was full of scholars from around the world, as well as other visitors. As the December 1935 issue of Yedies reported, the ribbon was cut on a new gallery named in honor of Rive Eitingon. The first exhibition was of engravings by Marc Chagall, who was there in person. In fact, Chagall was credited as “the initiator of the art museum, who has promised his active cooperation.” Speeches were delivered by the eminent historian Simon Dubnow, journalist Zalmen Reyzen, Vilna Troupe actor Avrom Morevski, and others. Another gallery featured an exhibition of sculptures by Jewish artists, including works by Yankl Adler, Maurycy Minkowski, and Arthur Szyk.

The article goes on to note that a number of Jewish artists had promised to donate examples of their work to the new museum. Yankl Adler’s “Jewish Soldiers” was in the process of being acquired, and art collectors had promised to donate works by Szmul Hirszenberg and Maurycy Gottlieb. A committee to collect artworks was being organized in Krakow.

A festive tea was thrown to bid bon voyage to Chagall and his wife.