JACOBI, Eli
Eli Jacobi (1898–1984) was a modern American printmaker whose linocuts and lithographs reflect a deep engagement with the social and psychological landscape of early 20th-century urban life. Born in Ukraine and later settling in New York, Jacobi brought a sensitive, humanist perspective to his prints, often depicting the overlooked corners of city life with bold contrasts and expressive detail.
Working primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, Jacobi embraced the democratic potential of printmaking. His linocuts, in particular, combined stark geometry with emotional depth, portraying the hardship and dignity of working-class figures, often within the context of Depression-era New York. As part of the WPA Federal Art Project, he contributed to a broader cultural movement that sought to make art more accessible and socially relevant.
Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Jacobi’s printmaking stands out for its unflinching realism and quiet compassion, preserving scenes of everyday struggle with both technical precision and poetic insight.
No products were found matching your selection.