AN IMPORTANT MICROGRAPHIC ENGRAVING FOR ROSH HASHANAH AND YOM KIPPUR, LEVI VAN GELDER [NEW YORK, CIRCA 1865]

Alice M. Greenwald, The Masonic Mizrah and Lamp: Jewish Ritual Art as a Reflection of Cultural Assimilation, in "Journal of Jewish Art", 1984, vol. 10, pp. 87-10; Leila Avrin, Micrography as Art, Jerusalem/Paris, 1981; Stanley Ferber, Micrography, A Jewish Art Form, Journal of Art III/IV, pp. 12-24.

This engraving is the most elaborate example of Levi van Gelder's unique artistic style. Van Gelder, who arrived in America in 1860 from Holland, is believed to have only executed two works after his immigration to the United States. Consequently, this tour de force of the engraver's art is inscribed in Hebrew and English rather than in Dutch, as were his earlier masterpieces, created nearly two decades previously in Amsterdam. The present piece is not only a rare example of what is widely regarded as the greatest engraving created by van Gelder, but also an important piece of American Judaica.

Over one hundred and ten biblical vignettes adorn this monumental engraving. Van Gelder has surrounded these images with the relevant texts, drawn from hundreds of biblical quotations as well as excerpts from the liturgy of the High Holy Days and inscribed in both Hebrew and English in fine micrographic lettering. The work was published in New York by Joseph Brillant and Meyer Rabinowitz, known for producing several other micrographic works in Hebrew and English.

Van Gelder evidently had ties to the Order of Freemasons as many of his artistic creations contain elements of Masonic imagery. The use of this imagery reflects the increased involvement of the Jews in Freemasonry during the nineteenth century. In most copies of this work, the roundel at top center contains, in addition to the pillars from Solomon's Temple, a prominently featured mason's compass. However, in this copy, in addition to the twelve original red collage elements, a thirteenth has been added. The additional element replaces the Masonic iconography with the Hebrew word mizrah, removing an association that at least one former owner found objectionable. A second compass, usually found in the roundel below the word "Hallelu-Jah," has also been drawn over.

A copy of the other known American work by van Gelder, dated 1865 is presently in the collection of the Hebrew Union College Skirball Museum, Los Angeles (#39.30).