Object numberM2006/017:012
Creator Ilya Schor (artist)
DescriptionThis IIya Schor woodblock print celebrates nature through this stylised tree, made for the Abraham Heschel book The Earth is the Lord’s. The tree is the complete image with other images embossed in it, on it, and around it. Roses symbolise God’s love at work in the world while the birds suggest renewal. These metaphors are reinforced by the fawn, a symbol of the cyclical nature of life. The letter “Aleph” (the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and the first letter of the name of God: Adonai) on the right-hand branch highlights the hidden and ineffable aspect of God while the letter “Samech” (fifteenth letter of the Jewish alphabet), on the corresponding left branch, reinforces the infinite power, the “Ein Sof” (God’s infinite light). This frieze could have decorated an eighteenth or nineteenth century “Haggadot” (books read during the “seder”, a religious meal that tells the story of Passover).
Subjectart, Culture and Religion, manners & customs
Object nameprints
Dimensions
- mount width: 205.00 mm
mount height: 280.00 mm
print width: 137.00 mm
print height: 110.00 mm
frame width: 260.00 mm
frame height: 340.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Margaret Gutman