Lot 520: Meir Gur Aryeh (1891-1951), an original silhouette. Color on canvas, “tefillat haderech,” 1925 approximately.

A unique and historical item, original work by Meir Gur Aryeh. The famous silhouetted figure of the Old Yemenite riding on a donkey during his journeys, while praying the Tefillat HaDerech from an open book as he passes an ornamental tree. It was first publicized in June 1922, on the cover of the 8th volume of the Jerusalem journal “HaHayim.” Ever since, it has been a popular image in Israeli culture, and has been put on stamps and printed on wood, ceramic, and more. Gur Aryeh was born Meir Gorodsky at the end of 1891 in Bobrusk (White Russia). He studied there art from 1907-1909. In 1913 he moved to Israel with his family, and he continued his studied there at Betzalel. Between 1918-1921 he was a teacher at Betzalel. This is the original silhouette, done in black and white on canvas. It is in a new frame, it underwent professional restoration. Size: 62x62cm.