Meir Gur Arie Silhouettes Cut Print Portfolio | 1934 Rare

Here we have a rare portfolio of silhouettes cut by Meir Gur Arieh (1891-1951), published in 1934. The portfolio is titled "Genesis – Silhouettes Cut by M. Gur-Arie", and was published by Bnei Bezalel publishing company in Jerusalem. The portfolio contains 21 of 28 tipped-in silhouette plates illustrating biblical scenes from the book of Genesis with the accompanying backing paper (detached). It doesn't take long reviewing the haunting scenes to realize Gur-Arie was a master.

The rare Jewish portfolio comes out of the estate for an art collector in the Twin Cities.

Here's more info about this important artist, courtesy of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Meir Gur Arie was born Meir Gorodetsky (Horodetzky) in Bobruisk, Russia (now Belarus) to a Hasidic family. After studying art in Russia, he was invited to continue his studies at the Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. After immigrating to Israel, his family changed its name to "Gur Arie". After completing his studies, he was appointed head of the department of drawing, ivory and amulets at the school. He was a member of the Menorah group and one of the founders of the Hebrew Artists Association in 1920, and served for a period of time as secretary. In 1923, he founded with Ze'ev Raban the "House of Work for Industrial Art". Among the well-known works created in this framework were the decorations for the YMCA building in Jerusalem.

Education

1907-1909 Art studies, the Russian empire
1909-1911 Bezalel School, Jerusalem
Studied etching with Hermann Struck

Teaching

1918-21 Bezalel. 1923 Workshop for Industrial Design, together with Zeev Raban. Participated in the famous ''Tower of David'' Exhibition. 1920 A founder of the Union for Hebrew Art.


The portfolio cover measures 11" x 8 1/2". The silhouette cuts on average measure 4" x 3". As stated above, the portfolio contains 21 of the 28 cuts. There is evidence the cuts previously were attached to the backing paper. There are varying conditions across the cuts. Some show their age more than others. All backing papers for the original 28 cuts are included in the portfolio. Each cut has something written in ink in the bottom right corner. Not sure if this is a signature or an indication of the cut. The outer cover has evidence of age as well. Please view and zoom on all pics as they are part of the description.

I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO boxes). Free shipping on the very rare Jewish artwork.

As soon as I laid my eyes on the portfolio, I knew this was rare and special. Judaica at its finest.