Mordecai Ardon was an Israeli painter born on 13 July 1896 in Tuchow, Galicia. After the end of the First World War, Ardon decided to relocate to Paris but only made it to Berlin, where he enrolled at the Weimar Bauhaus and studied under Paul Klee, Johannes Itten, Lyonel Feininger, and Wassily Kandinsky. In 1933, Ardon fled Europe for Palestine.
Ardon settled in Jerusalem and started working as a teacher at the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts in 1935. He became the school’s director in 1940 and held the position for twelve years. In 1952, Ardon became an artistic advisor to the Ministry of Education and Culture, serving till 1963. He kept painting and influencing the style of younger artists.
Ardon exhibited his works widely in Amsterdam, New York, and the Venice Biennale in Italy. During his later years, Ardon also experimented with different mediums, one of which produced the Ardon Windows series displayed in the National Library of Israel. After a decorated career in which he won multiple honors and awards, Ardon died on 18 June 1992.
What was Mordecai Ardon Known For?
Mordecai Ardon was known for painting Israeli landscapes, war subjects, and Jewish myths. Ardon frequently infused a sense of mystery and the metaphysical in his artworks. This feature is evident in the depiction of his subjects. Asides from painting, Ardon is renowned for his incredible work in developing art culture in Israel through instruction and ambassador duties.
Who was Mordecai Ardon Influenced By?
Ardon was influenced by the Kabbalah – Jewish mysticism. Throughout his career, Mordecai painted subjects revolving around Jewish mythology, combining mystical elements with contemporary art methods. The influence of Paul Klee and Rembrandt is also evident in Ardon’s works.
What Art Movement was Mordecai Ardon Associated With?
Mordecai Ardon was associated with the Surrealism art movement.
Mordecai Ardon Artwork
Below are some of the artworks of Mordecai Ardon
Eve
For the Fallen – Left-hand panel: The Traps
For the Fallen – Right-hand panel: The Unborn
For the Fallen (Triptych)
La Grand Poupee
La Rosette pour Rikuda
Last Curtain Call of the Palettes
Leaf with Cross
Rhythmic
Sarah
Spring of the Vineyard
Sunset
Tammuz
Testament of a Dead Leaf
To the Morning Star
Yorah
Ardon Windows
At the Gates of Jerusalem Triptych (from right to left). Rock, Ladders, Sign
For the Fallen – Center panel: The House of Cards
The Fish and the Moon
All Mordecai Ardon Artwork on Artchive
| Artwork Name | Year | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| For the Fallen | 1955-56 | Oil on Canvas |
| Tammuz | 1962 | Oil on Canvas |
| Ein Karem | 1944 | Oil on Canvas |
| To the Morning Star | 1968 | Oil on Canvas |
