The 19th-century German school of painters known as the Nazarenes, which created medievalizing works on themes of nationalism and Christian idealism, is the subject of this fine study by Grewe
(Columbia U., NY). Based on her research of the primary sources, the work examines the relationship between the school's main leaders, Franz Pforr and Johann Friedrich Overbeck, and the
development of their philosophies of art, nation, and religion. She reveals a deeply rooted anti-Judaic tradition within their thought, most clearly evidenced in the well-known painting
Shulamith and Maria, but here linked to other works, other artists, and a larger trend in European thought, including the beginnings of anti-Semitic theories. The result is a fascinating and
relevant work that will be of interest to historians as well as art historians. The volume is beautifully produced, containing color plates of excellent quality. Annotation 穢2010 Book News,
Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
