Porcelain figurine of a ribbon peddler in a red coat
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 5.125 inches (13.018 cm) | Width: 2.500 inches (6.35 cm) | Depth: 1.500 inches (3.81 cm)
Creator(s)
- Peter Ehrenthal (Compiler)
Biographical History
The Katz Ehrenthal Collection is a collection of more than 900 objects depicting Jews and antisemitic and anti-Jewish propaganda from the medieval to the modern era, in Europe, Russia, and the United States. The collection was amassed by Peter Ehrenthal, a Romanian Holocaust survivor, to document the pervasive history of anti-Jewish hatred in Western art, politics and popular culture. It includes crude folk art as well as pieces created by Europe's finest craftsmen, prints and periodical illustrations, posters, paintings, decorative art, and toys and everyday household items decorated with depictions of stereotypical Jewish figures.
Archival History
The figurine was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2016 by the Katz Family.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of the Katz Family
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
Brightly colored porcelain figurine of a Jewish peddler in red overcoat and green jacket selling ribbons and cloth from a tray hanging from his shoulder. Likely the work of 19th century Staffordshire potters, it resembles a work by Minton produced in several variations. Jewish peddlers were a familiar sight in 19th century London, especially following the large influx of East European Jews. Those who arrived with no money, could acquire goods on credit and immediately begin selling items on the street. Others were continuing the trade they had pursued previously. This figurine is one of more than 900 items in the Katz Ehrenthal Collection of antisemitic artifacts and visual materials.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Glazed and painted, slipcast porcelain figurine of a ribbon peddler in a black top hat, a pink-red overcoat, green jacket, blue, purple dotted vest, white shirt, yellow, purple dotted cravat, brown pants, and black shoes. He has a peach complexion, pink cheeks, a neat short brown beard and sideburns, with some stereotypically Jewish features: thick eyebrows, a large nose, and full red lips. A tray overflowing with several rows of brightly colored and patterned ribbons and cloths hangs across his torso, supported by a right shoulder strap. He holds up 2 large pieces of patterned cloth in his right hand and leans on a brown pole on the right. The interior is hollow and white, with an open, sliced halfback. The figure stands, left foot forward, on a white, oval pedestal, with a green top, gold line border along the top and bottom, and a gold floral pattern around an oval handled design resembling a hand mirror. See 2016.184.593 for a similar figurine.
Subjects
- Jews in art--Great Britain--19th century.
- Jews--Persecutions--Great Britain--Art--19th century.
- Christianity and antisemitism--Great Britain--Art--19th century.
- Antisemitism--Great Britain--19th century.
- Anti-Jewish propaganda--Great Britain--19th century.
- Antisemitism in art--Great Britain--19th century.
Genre
- Object
- Decorative Arts