Bidspirit 拍卖 | Sir Moses Montefiore – Rare

Sir Moses Montefiore – Rare Carte-de-Visite Portrait beside a Portrait of Lady Judith – John C. Twyman & Son, Ramsgate - An original and unusual carte-de-visite photograph of Sir Moses Montefiore (1784–1885), one of the most celebrated Jewish philanthropists and communal leaders of the 19th century, photographed at Ramsgate by John C. Twyman & Son. Montefiore is shown in old age, seated in an armchair and holding a large document. Beside him, displayed prominently upon a table, is a large portrait of his late wife, Lady Judith Montefiore (1784–1862). This unusual composition gives the photograph a distinctly personal and commemorative character, setting it apart from conventional studio portraits of Montefiore. Printed beneath the photograph: “JOHN C. TWYMAN & SON – RAMSGATE.” The reverse bears the photographer's elaborate studio imprint: “JOHN C. TWYMAN & SON, PHOTOGRAPHERS, HIGH ST., RAMSGATE.” with an early manuscript identification “Sir Moses Montefiore” above. Ramsgate occupied a particularly important place in the lives of Moses and Judith Montefiore. In 1831 they acquired East Cliff Lodge, which became their celebrated country residence. Montefiore subsequently established his synagogue nearby, opened in 1833, and both Sir Moses and Lady Judith were eventually interred in the adjoining mausoleum. Montefiore became internationally renowned for his philanthropy, Jewish communal leadership and repeated interventions on behalf of Jewish communities in the Holy Land and throughout the world. A particularly appealing piece for collectors of Judaica, Anglo-Jewish history, Victorian photography and Montefiore memorabilia, distinguished by its Ramsgate photographer and its unusual composition showing Montefiore beside the portrait of Lady Judith.