Ruth Cidor-Citroën: A Journey Through Art, Resistance, and Human Design

Ruth Cidor-Citroën, born Margarete Vallentin on November 25, 1906, in Berlin-Bohnsdorf, Germany, was a German-Israeli artist renowned for her book designs and autobiographical works, including “Neun Monate in Le Sappey” (“Nine Months in Le Sappey,” 2001) and “Vom Bauhaus nach Jerusalem” (“From the Bauhaus to Jerusalem,” 2004). Her life intertwined with significant historical events, from the avant-garde movements in Europe to the establishment of Israel.

Early Life and Family Influences

Growing up in a family deeply connected with influential figures, such as German revolutionaries and European avant-garde artists like Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, Ruth was exposed to diverse intellectual and creative stimuli. Her vibrant household perhaps laid the groundwork for her later artistic endeavors. Ruth was one of five siblings; notably, her sister Judith Vallentin became an anti-Nazi resistance fighter, highlighting the family’s inclination towards activism and resilience.

Personal Life and Human Design

Ruth Cidor-Citroën was a Manifesting Generator in Human Design, a type known for its dynamic energy and capacity to multitask. With an Emotional Inner Authority, she navigated life through a lens of emotional clarity, waiting to respond with emotional stability. Her life strategy, according to her design, was To Respond, which aligns with her reactive adaptation to life’s challenges and opportunities.

Her Profile, 3/5, signifies a natural experimenter who learns through trial and error, often drawing others to her wisdom gained through lived experiences. This profile also suggests a tendency to explore and influence her environment, evident in her artistic and literary contributions.

Ruth’s Incarnation Cross, the Right Angle Cross of The Sleeping Phoenix (34/20 | 59/55), indicates a life theme centered around transformation and renewal, often emerging from periods of crisis with renewed strength and creativity. Her journey through Europe during turbulent times and eventual settlement in Israel exemplifies this transformative essence.

Life in Berlin and Marriage

In 1925, Ruth Vallentin, alongside her sister Judith, moved to the vibrant cultural hub of Berlin-Wedding. It was here she married Hans Citroen, a Berlin furrier aspiring to make a name for himself. Hans was the brother of Paul Citroen, a student of the Bauhaus movement, which undoubtedly influenced Ruth’s artistic inclinations. The couple would later change their family name to Cidor upon emigrating to Israel.

The Impact of Nazi Regime and Emigration

With the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933, life became increasingly perilous for the Citroen family due to their Jewish heritage, prompting the sale of Hans’s fur shop. The family sought refuge in France, where Ruth continued to work in book design, receiving commissions from the Flammarion publishing house. Despite the challenges, Ruth’s Human Design channels like 20-34 and 57-34 (manifesting and intuitive capabilities) likely played a role in her ability to navigate these tumultuous times.

World War II and Escape to Switzerland

During the German occupation of France, Ruth and her family fled to the relative safety of Vichy France. The horrors of war personally touched the family as Ruth’s sister, Judith, was executed in Germany for her involvement in the resistance movement. In 1942, drawing on the strength from her Manifesting Generator energy, Ruth orchestrated a perilous escape across the snowy Alps, leading her family to the sanctuary of Switzerland.

Life and Art in Israel

In 1952, the Citroens, now Cidors, emigrated to Israel. This move marked another chapter of transformation, where Ruth continued her artistic endeavors, contributing to the cultural tapestry of her new homeland. Her husband, Hanan Aharon Cidor, served in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was appointed as the Israeli Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1957 to 1963.

Ruth’s Human Design channel 7-31 (leadership and direction) perhaps underpinned her capacity to guide her family through these transitions while maintaining her artistic identity. Her work remained a testament to her resilience and adaptability, key traits of her Manifesting Generator type.

Legacy and Death

Ruth Cidor-Citroën passed away in Jerusalem on February 26, 2002, at the age of 95. Her life was a tapestry of creativity, courage, and transformation. She left behind a legacy not only through her artistic contributions but also through her embodiment of Human Design principles, navigating life’s challenges with emotional wisdom and a profound capacity for renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruth Cidor-Citroën’s Human Design Type?

Ruth Cidor-Citroën was a Manifesting Generator, a type known for its energetic dynamism and ability to multitask efficiently.

How did Ruth Cidor-Citroën’s Human Design influence her life?

Her Human Design as a Manifesting Generator with an Emotional Inner Authority guided her through emotionally charged decisions and transformations. Her Profile 3/5 facilitated a life of experimentation and adaptation, vital in her artistic and personal evolution.

What was Ruth Cidor-Citroën’s Incarnation Cross?

Her Incarnation Cross was the Right Angle Cross of The Sleeping Phoenix, suggesting a life marked by transformation and resilience, themes evident in her life story.

What artistic contributions did Ruth Cidor-Citroën make?

Ruth Cidor-Citroën was a book designer and author, known for her autobiographical works such as “Neun Monate in Le Sappey” and “Vom Bauhaus nach Jerusalem,” which reflect her rich life experiences and artistic prowess.

How did historical events shape Ruth Cidor-Citroën’s life?

The rise of the Nazi regime, World War II, and the eventual establishment of the state of Israel were pivotal events that influenced Ruth’s life, prompting multiple