Original sketch of the main chandelier of the Great Synagogue in Szeged, Hungary – the 4th-largest synagogue in ...

Original sketch of the main chandelier of the Great Synagogue in Szeged, Hungary – the 4th-largest synagogue in Europe. 1903 – Adorned - Signature of the Jewish architect
The synagogue in Szeged was designed in 1903 by the Hungarian-Jewish architect Lipot Baumhorn (1860–1932). Of the 22 synagogues he designed (as engraved on his gravestone), it is considered the largest and most beautiful. Built in 1907, it served Szeged's large Neolog community.
Baumhorn also designed the synagogue's holy articles, including the central chandelier. In designing the Szeged synagogue, Baumhorn reached the pinnacle of his artistic career. From the outside, it looks like a luxurious palace, and its interior is also most splendorous. The inner dome (nearly 50 meters high), together with the murals and illustrated verses, provide a unique ambience of eminence and glory.
The Szeged synagogue survived difficult periods, and still today stands in its glory, with the chandelier still hanging from the ceiling. Many visitors crowd daily around the gates of the synagogue to see the luxurious structure. The elders of the congregation, together with the many Jewish tourists, conduct prayer services there on Sabbaths and holidays.
From the center of the ceiling a large chandelier drapes down. The sketch offered here is of that very chandelier. The sketch is on a large slide, and includes the inscription: "Plans of the Szeged Synagogue," a notation of the lamp, a view of the lamp from below it and of its location in the expanse of the synagogue, and various notes and calculations by the architect. His name is printed and signed, next to another (unidentified) signature. The year of the design – 1903 – is handwritten on the back of the slide.
Condition: Very good. A small amount of ageing stains, a small amount of tears on the margins