Richard Cohen
The Wandering Jew

Penn Humanities Forum on Travel

University of Pennsylvania
March 14, 2007
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"The Wandering Jew," Ahasver, is a homeless soul who knows no rest. Emerging in Christian legend in the Middle Ages, he (very occasionally, she) has meandered through vast areas of western art as a vehicle of widely differing cultural significance. Even though he appeared in many unusual places and at particular times, he could often be seen with some characteristic traits—carrying a sack on his back, holding a staff, and wearing a small purse.