This resource is designed to help teachers explore the works in Arnold Newman: Masterclass in the classroom or within the context of a Museum visit. Newman’s work can be used to explore a variety of themes including biography, portraiture, photography, symbolism, American history, and art history, since he photographed people ranging from Pablo Picasso to John F. Kennedy to Christian Dior.

History and Social Studies teachers may choose to look at key historical, political, and cultural figures Newman depicts, in order to gain a rich understanding of mid-century America or to explore the individual biographies of the subjects of the portraits. English or Language Arts instructors may explore Newman’s literary figures or how Newman conveys character or ways he imbeds symbolism in his images. Art teachers may choose to examine the formal elements that characterize Newman’s unique style, use the portraits to learn about the artists Newman photographs, or simply delve into the artwork created by some of Newman’s most famous subjects. This Resource offers background information as well as specific questions to guide an exploration of Newman’s portraits, with a focus on specific subject areas. 

Arnold Newman: Masterclass was organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography (FEP), Minneapolis, and the Harry Ransom Center, Austin.

Patron Sponsorship for The CJM’s presentation is provided by Baird and Joyce Linker. Supporting sponsorship is provided by Naomi and Jeffrey Caspe, Nellie and Max Levchin, Rosanne and Al Levitt, and Howard and Barbara Wollner. Participating sponsorship is provided by Paul Sack. Additional generous support is provided by Sheila Sosnow and Richard Nagler.

Major support for The Contemporary Jewish Museum’s exhibitions and Jewish Peoplehood Programs comes from the Koret Foundation.

School and Teacher Programs at The Contemporary Jewish Museum are made possible by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Target. Leadership support comes from The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation with additional generous support from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and Ullendorff Memorial Foundation.