Description:

Arthur Szyk Original Pen & Ink Drawing, "A Yemenite Soldier"

An original pen and ink wash drawing on paper by Polish-Jewish artist Arthur Szyk (1894-1952), entitled "A Yemenite Soldier," with the additional caption "Irgun Zwai Leumi in Jerusalem." Signed by the illustrator as "Arthur Szyk / New Canaan [Connecticut] / 1948" at lower right. A small piece of wood from the frame has become dislodged near the left edge of the mat, else near fine. Displayed in a floating mount, the actual size of the drawing is 2" x 6.5." Matted behind glass in an ebonized frame measuring 5.875" x 10.375" x .75" overall. Not examined out of the frame. Expected surface wear to the frame including isolated chips. A label verso reads in part, "Courtesy of Mrs. Alexandra Bracie." Alexandra Bracie (1922-2016) was the artist's daughter.

The drawing, meticulously executed in black pen and ink wash, depicts a young Yemenite soldier in military uniform brandishing an impressive firearm. He is wearing a yamaka, or brimless cap, and his hair is arranged in payot or side curls. Szyk's caption indicates that the soldier belongs to the Irgun Zwai Leumi, a Zionist paramilitary organization which operated in British Palestine between 1931-1948. Szyk was a longtime supporter of the free Jewish state and often drew attention to issues affecting its settlement. Szyk claimed that the happiest day of his life was May 14, 1948, when Israeli independence was declared.

Arthur Szyk was a talented illustrator who settled permanently in the United States after 1940. He used his technical knowledge of medieval and Renaissance book illumination to create intricate drawings and illustrations commenting on history, spiritual life, and modern politics.

Szyk often drew inspiration from Jewish history. He illustrated a printed copy of the "Statute of Kalisz" between 1926-1928; this was a thirteenth-century document issued by city leader Boleslaw the Pious extending civil liberties to Jews in central Poland. Between 1934-1936, Szyk executed 48 miniature paintings depicting scenes from the Haggadah, or exodus from Egypt; it was published in 1940. Last, Szyk illustrated a Hebrew language copy of the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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