Large lithograph – “Likrat Shabbat” from the lives of the Spanish immigrants in Salonika at the end of the 18th ...

Large lithograph – “Likrat Shabbat” from the lives of the Spanish immigrants in Salonika at the end of the 18th century – by artist Refael Avraham Shalem – Monzon Printing – Jerusalem 1937
Poster designed by famous Bezalel artist Refael Avraham Shalem, printed by Monzon Printing in Jerusalem’s Old City. Lithograph print with gold ink. The drawing includes the date of 1936, but it was apparently only printed in 1937.
Refael Avraham Shalem (nicknamed ROSH) was born in Salonika in 1888. He was one of the first immigrants to Israel from Salonika, and in this lithograph, he recalls the customs of his community. He was talented artist who studied at Bezalel during the early 20th century. He designed lithographs and unique art pieces made of metal. He worked as an engineer and prepared architectural plans for the third Beit Hamikdash (printed in 1967).
This poster describes the life of the Spanish immigrants who settled in Salonika after the Spanish Inquisition in 1492, transforming the city into a spiritual and cultural center from the 16th century until the 18th century. The poster depicts a woman lighting the Ner Tamid on Friday afternoon in the synagogue, assisted by her son. A Torah scholar engrossed in study sits on the floor of the synagogue.
(See item number 275 in this catalogue for a book written by the ROSH).
Condition: Beautiful overall. A few tears in the corner and on the side which were restored. Water stains.
Size: 41x64cm.