Were Jews back in the day not into painting or why aren't there any?

[ffg]

Interesting subject.

I would take a little different angle and say that art is something that happens on a wider scale when there is $$$ to spend.

Where there is a lack of art in history, there was a focus on doing work that got you and your family through the day.

At times when people, groups, churches had the cash to spend, more art pops up.

Mix that with what some have said above about Jewish law and you have a low artsy period.

 

[504Katrin]

God instructed them to make many images for the tabernacle, it’s true: cherubim, pomegranates.

I do not recall Solomon receiving similar divine instructions when he built the temple. The rich decorations featuring cherubim, palm trees, flowers, oxen, and so forth seem to be human designs, not divine. God nevertheless consecrated all of it for divine worship (1Kings 9:1-3).

which reminds me, not to highjack this thread but Cherubim reminds of the word Cerubim קרובים which I think means relatives (plural)