Abstract
This paper discusses the design and symbolism of a hitherto unpublished work by the artist Arthur Szyk (1894–1951), an ark for the Torah which he designed for the Forest Hills Jewish Center of Queens, New York, and which was dedicated in 1949. The Torah Ark is the central focus of all synagogue worship. Szyk’s ark is unique in its multiplicity of symbols and texts, which was at odds with the modernist idiom of post-World War II synagogue architecture. This research, which also brings previously unpublished material, analyzes the possible sources for the work and its distinctive message, which is exceptional in the world of modern contemporary Jewish art.
Highlights
In the last few years, interest in the art of Arthur Szyk has taken a dramatic turn
Enough, one of Szyk’s most unique creations, a Torah Ark (Figure 1) he designed for the Forest Hills Jewish
Szyk was already in touch with the Forest Hills congregation—his Haggadah was exhibited there in March 1945, and subsequently, the Forest Hills congregation—his Haggadah was exhibited there in March 1945, and subsequently, various works of his appeared in the synagogue newsletter
Summary
In the last few years, interest in the art of Arthur Szyk has taken a dramatic turn. A huge collection of his work, amassed by a private collector, was recently donated to the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life in Berkeley. Known as The Taube Family Arthur Szyk Collection, it contains hundreds of works, many of them unpublished, including sketches for book illustrations, posters, and caricatures. To mention a few in the last twenty years: Arthur Szyk: Artist for Freedom at the Library of Congress, 9 December 1999–6 May. 2000. Https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/szyk/, accessed on 8 December 2019; The Art and Politics of Arthur Szyk, United States. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 10 April 2002–14 October 2002; https://www.ushmm.org/exhibition/szyk/, accessed on.
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