Joseph Budko

Polish 1888-1940

Joseph Budko was amongst an influential group of graphic minded Jewish artists who embraced the revival of the woodcut, a medium which lent itself perfectly to express the views of Israel and Jewish culture in various lands.

Born in Poland, Budko studied art in Germany under the instruction of Hermann Struck and the influence of Jacob Steinhardt. Mixing his personal attitude with Jewish outlook; melding Jewish tradition and modern artistic approach, Budko soon developed his own powerful style, influencing future great artists in turn—Marc Chagall being no exception. Budko has been credited with resurrecting the spirit of book illustration by elevating it to modern design.

Eventually moving to Israel, Joseph Budko became the head of the Betzalal Academy in Palestine when it re-opened in 1935. He remained in this position until his untimely death, in 1940.