Max Eisler (1881 - 1937): A Forgotten Viennese Jewish Art Historian

Max Eisler grew up in Boskowice . He studied art history in the Netherlands and in Vienna, as a student of Josef Strzygowski, and taught in a High School in Jihlava. From 1914 he taught art history at the University of Vienna.

In many articles and publications Eisler wrote about Dutch painting, art history and architecture of Vienna, Oskar Strnad and Anton Hanak. His book on Gustav Klimt was translated into English.

Eislers book Von jüdischer Kunst (Josef Israels) deals with the definition of “Jewish Art”.

In 1924/25 Eisler edited with Eugen Hoeflich and Josef Hahn the monthly Das Zelt.

He wrote regularly for the journal Menorah about Jewish artists like Jehudo Epstein and Abel Pann, and new synagogues in Amsterdam, Plauen, Zilina and Hietzing.

In 1936 he travelled to Palestine; he visited Meir Dizengoff and published his impressions.

In his younger years Eisler was close to the Agudah. He wrote for Die jüdische Presse, and was a board member of the Jewish orphanage in Baden near Vienna.

He also was an active member of the B’nai B’rith and of the historical commission of the Viennese Jewish community; nevertheless he critized its cultural policy.

Eisler’s personality was unique in the combination of his orthodox conviction, his social commitment and his high achievements in his research area.

He left no personal papers. His only son Martin was an architect in Argentinia.

The author plans to publish a monograph about Max Eisler.