PROCLAMATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL [Fine Art Print, The Historic Lithograph to Commemorate Jewish Statehood.]

An original lithograph by the artist, Arthur Szyk, plate signed ?Arthur Szyk, New Canaan, 1948.? Beautifully done in the style of a medieval manuscript but with modern themes and imagery. The renowned historic proclamation is illuminated in numerous colours and exquisite details. The central Hebrew text of the Declaration is surrounded by miniature vignettes telling of both Jewish history and the newborn State of Israel. The images include Moses, with his brother Aaron the High Priest and the warrior Hur; Ezekiel, the prophet who called for restoration to the Land; skulls and bones as a reminder of the Holocaust; King David, the first King of the Jewish People in Jerusalem; and the symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel; the present day is represented with the pioneer (chalutz) who sows the land on the right and the soldier who defends the land on the left. The image measures 14 inches x 18 1/2 inches on paper 16 1/2 inches x 21 inches, accompanied by a copy of the original English translation as issued at the time of printing. The lithograph and English translation all are in very fine condition.

Edizione: the scarce lithographic production of szyk's famous commemorative of the proclamation of the establishment of the state of israel. polish born jewish artist arthur szyk originally gained popularity through his world war ii caricatures, in which he often depicted the leaders of the axis powers. after the war, he devoted himself to political issues, such as supporting the creation of israel. he first visited israel in 1914 from his native poland and after permanently resettling in america became the leading activist artist in america to help the cause of bringing about the state of israel.<br> in her memoirs, julia szyk records that on the day the independence of the jewish state was declared, her husband wept and then sat down to begin this masterwork, devoting more than six months to its completion, the lithographs were printed within the first year of statehood. it is said that this work and his completed declaration of independence of the united states hung side by side in the szyk household until his death in 1951.