On December 7, 2025, the anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War II, the exhibition Art of Freedom: The Life & Work of Arthur Szyk opened at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. It brings together more than 100 works by the artist from private collections, as well as pieces from the museum’s holdings that are being shown to the public for the first time. The exhibition presents Szyk not only as an influential anti-fascist visual propagandist of the 20th century, but also as a Jewish voice whose message continues to resonate today.

King Solomon receives the Queen of Sheba, who will bombard him with questions about God. “La Reine de Saba devant Salomon” by Arthur Szyk/The Museum of Jewish Heritage

Conceived with the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence in mind, the exhibition emphasizes freedom as something that must be actively defended.

Born in Łódź, Poland, in 1894, Arthur Szyk experienced the major upheavals of the 20th century: two world wars, totalitarianism, the Holocaust, the founding of the State of Israel, as well as antisemitism and racism in the United States. After fleeing the Nazis, he arrived in the U.S. in 1940 and became an American citizen in 1948. He gained international recognition, among other works, for the richly illustrated Szyk Haggadah.

Running until summer 2026, the exhibition features numerous previously unpublished works, including cartoons for Collier’s Magazine, illuminated manuscripts, and sketches related to the American Revolution. Szyk’s meticulous attention to detail—especially in historical scenes and military equipment—is clearly evident.

A central focus is placed on his anti-fascist works during World War II, particularly the series illustrating Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms,” which once hung in the White House. In these miniatures, a medieval knight embodies freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Many of these works were sold as prints to support the war effort against Nazi Germany and to draw attention to the rescue of Jews.

Szyk’s work combines American ideals with an uncompromising commitment to freedom of expression and civil rights. He worked openly and deliberately politically —as a proud American, a committed Jew, and a tireless opponent of all forms of tyranny over the human mind. (mjhnyc.org)

By Okay Altinisik | 2-1-2026, 1:02:49