Zionism, Art and Monet

Panic! Britain, like the rest of the world, is experiencing economic hardship!!! What ever should we do??? I know! Let's blame the Jews!

Unfortunately, this has historically been the approach taken just as soon as most things went wrong in the world, dating back to early 20th century Europe and continuing throughout the period. Jewish bankers were first blamed for the economic stagnation in the early 1900s, and were also blamed for Germany's defeat in WWI.

Yes, yes, we all know the basics. However, what I did not know was how many areas of life were affected due to anti-semitism and the opposing Zionist movement. Anti-semitism affected many areas of life, including those that are subtly influential, like the art realm.

Nevertheless, before we delve further into how exactly 20th century art was affected, it's important to know the background behind the Zionist movement and the anti-semitism that was responsible for its creation.

The Zionist movement was founded by Theodor Herzl in 1896 a response to racial ant-semitism.. Its goal was to create a seperate Jewish state in Palestine, for Herzl did not believe that the government could protect the Jews in Europe. Why did Herzl possess this belief? Because of one event that influenced more people than just Herzl...the Dreyfus affair.

The Dreyfus affair was a collection of occurrences that showed the extent of anti-semitism in France. Alford Dreyfus was a Jewish captain in the French army who was tried for high treason in 1894. Why? Apparently, bits of ripped and subsequently reconstructed paper that contained French military secrets for the Germans were found in Dreyfus's trash can. Despite there being no plausible evidence to tie Dreyfus to this note, he was tried anyway because the government needed a scapegoat. Who else better to try than a Jewish man? They were apparently at fault for everything!

Dreyfus was found guilty by the court and was subjected to military degradation and deportation. During the four years that Dreyfus was in exile, the French army found the 'real' traitor but rigged the trial so that an innocent verdict was reached to avoid admitting fault at having mistook Dreyfus for the traitor. Dreyfus had a re-trial in 1899 (remember this date), but was found guilty yet again (due to government's desire to remain 'correct'). However, instead of facing more jail time, Dreyfus was 'pardoned' of his 'crime'.

Yes, in all actuality, he did nothing and the government finally recognized it, so I presume 'pardoning' was their way of saying 'sorry we screwed up'. However, I'd rather have my good name than to be freed and forced to accept a crime I did not commit. Evidently, other individuals like Claude Monet, famous impressionist painter, agreed with how I currently feel, for after the Dreyfus affair, Monet vowed to never paint another Frenchman. Recall the date I told you to remember? 1899 - Dreyfus' re-trial and 2nd guilty verdict. 1899 - the production of Monet's 'Bridge over water lilies', which served as the beginning of a new focus for the notorious artist.

Before that, frenchmen could be found rather commonly in Monet's paintings. It interesting how much racial movements can affect the great minds and works that we all treasure today. Who would've thought that a portion of Monet's inspiration for his 'water lilies' set could arguably be attributed to the Zionist movement?

Interesting, no?

Until next time,

Darrion