Rabbi Naphtali Ben Cohen mit zwei Schülern 1778

Curator: This captivating ink drawing, housed here at the Städel Museum, is entitled "Rabbi Naphtali Ben Cohen mit zwei Schülern," dating back to 1778. The piece is credited to Johann Andreas Benjamin Nothnagel. Editor: Right off the bat, it’s striking. The light almost explodes from the window, illuminating three very different reactions. One student looks terrified, the other completely flabbergasted, and the rabbi himself seems...intrigued? Curator: Nothnagel was active during a fascinating transitional period. You see elements of both the retreating Rococo style, in its dynamism and concern for depicting emotions, and Neoclassicism’s burgeoning interest in clarity and structure. It is very characteristic of the style called Romanticism too. Editor: And he uses that transition so effectively. The expressiveness of the students – you can almost hear them arguing, disagreeing – is offset by the rabbi’s relative composure. The glow overpowers every one of them. But its all contained and balanced in composition. I think I even sense some humor in it? Curator: Indeed. This work gives us a window, quite literally, into the dynamics between religious figures and their students during a time of significant intellectual and social change. We believe that this work speaks volumes to Nothnagel´s interest in representing the character and psychological state of his portrayed figures. It tells about social norms as well as education standards from that era. Editor: And the sheer intensity! The emotions on their faces are so raw. It’s as if Nothnagel wanted to capture the very moment when faith and doubt collide. Maybe the artist wondered if everyone had the right understanding of religion? Or just making us think of moments we learned about life from wise mentors? Curator: A distinct possibility! Viewing art from past eras helps us understand shifts in social power dynamics and the growing middle classes. The themes are incredibly vivid. Editor: Makes you wonder what kind of future Nothnagel hoped that group would face. Thanks for contextualizing that emotional snapshot, what a trip.