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📜 Rare 1928 Autograph Letter Signed by Renowned Jewish Artist Hermann Struck – Written in New York on Hotel Majestic Letterhead
Exceptional and historically significant autograph letter signed (ALS) by the world-famous Jewish German artist Hermann Struck (1876–1944), dated 1928, during his stay in New York City.
The letter is penned in his distinctive hand on the elegant printed stationery of the Hotel Majestic, one of Manhattan’s most iconic hotels of the time. Struck was visiting the United States during one of his international trips, which included exhibitions and engagements with the Jewish-American art and Zionist scenes.
Hermann Struck was a pioneering master of etching and portraiture, a close associate of figures such as Theodor Herzl, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Ahad Ha’am, all of whom he famously portrayed. He was one of the early Zionist artists, a member of the Berlin Secession, and later a teacher and influencer of major modern artists, including Marc Chagall and Jacob Steinhardt.
This letter offers a rare glimpse into Struck’s personal correspondence while abroad. Whether related to art, exhibitions, or intellectual circles, it is a prized relic from a foundational figure in modern Jewish and German art history.
🖋️ Condition: Very good. Folds as expected, mild wear. The stationery retains its original elegance.
📍 Provenance: From a private Judaica collection. Authenticity guaranteed.
An exceptional item for collectors of Jewish art, autographs, German-Jewish history, or Zionist cultural figures.
Hermann Struck (Chaim Aaron ben David) was born in Berlin. Hestudied at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. In 1904, he joined the modern art movementknown as the Berlin Secession.[1] In 1900,Struck met Jozef Israëls, a Dutch artist, who became his mentor. Bothwere recognized as leading artists of their time.[2] In 1908, Struck published \"Die Kunst desRadierens\" (\"The Art of Etching\"), which became a seminal workon the subject.[2] It was atextbook that offered both theory and practical instruction.[3] Struck\'sstudents included Marc Chagall, Lovis Corinth, Jacob Steinhardt, Lesser Ury and Max Liebermann.[2] In 1899, upon completing his studies at the Berlin Academy,he was banned from teaching there because he was Jewish. He signed his workwith his Hebrew name, Chaim Aaron ben David, and a Star of David.[2][dubious – discuss] Struck did commission portraits of Ibsen, Nietzsche, Freud, Albert Einstein, Herzl, Oscar Wilde andother leading figures of the time.[2] Struck was a fervent Zionist andJewish activist. He visited the Land of Israel in1903, displayed his art at the Fifth Zionist Congress,and was a founder of the Mizrachi Religious Zionist movement. At the same time, he wasa German patriot and volunteered for military service in World War I[2] serving as atranslator, liaison officer and military artist.[2] He was awardedthe Iron Cross 1stClass and promoted to an officer for bravery, in 1917 he became the referentfor Jewish affairs at the German Eastern Front HighCommand[4] Struck immigrated to Palestine in 1922, taught at Bezalel Academy andhelped establish the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.[2] He visitedBerlin every summer until the Nazis rose to power.[2] He died in Haifa. Collections Struck Museum Struck\'s home in Haifa has been open as the Hermann Struck museum since 2013.
