Auction 91 Part 1 Jewish and Israeli History, Culture and Art
"Artistic Alphabet" – Ben-Zion Zuckerman – Vilnius, 1920
Kinstlerischer Aleph-Bet [Artistic Alphabet], by Ben-Zion Zuckerman (Bencion Cukierman). Vilnius: "Vilner Farlag fun B. A. Kletskin", 1920. Yiddish.
The book features ornamented miniatures of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, designed by Ben-Zion Zuckerman. The letters, each on its own page, are set on vegetal or abstract backgrounds, sometimes incorporating a corresponding object or scene. Some of the letters are decorated with Jewish motifs – a Menorah, Jewish figures, a praying man, and more. The last page features the Hebrew word "sof" (end). Some of the miniatures are signed in the plate and some are dated 1919.
Ben-Zion Zuckerman (1890-1944), born in the vicinity of Vilnius, studied at the Vilnius Drawing School, later leaving for Paris where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1923-1927, he lived and worked in Palestine, painting its views even after returning to Europe. He died in Samarkand in the midst of World War II.
[33] ff., 20X26.5 cm. Good condition. Minor creases. Trace of glue to title page. Minor dampstains to front cover. Tears to spine (with loss).