Polish Eagle and Lion of Judah. Paris, late 1920s.

SZYK, Arthur. Design with Polish Eagle and Lion of Judah.  (Paris, late 1920s.) Ink and pencil on paper. Sheet size: 5 3/4″ x 4 3/4″. Image size: 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″. Very Good condition.

In this intricate rhomboid drawing, Szyk showcases his unparalleled skill as an illuminator. Only half of the design is complete, allowing the viewer to appreciate the delicate pencil outline on the right, and the utter absence of grid lines to aid the artist with his exacting, almost excruciatingly small design work. At the center of the image, the Polish coat of arms forms the central axis. The eagle, wearing a crown to symbolize Poland’s independence, is flanked by a lion of Judah on the left (presumably another would appear on the right) — all surmounted by a Polish-Jewish crown of royalty. In this context the lion of Judah, which symbolizes the Israelite tribe of Judah, probably refers to the Jews of Poland. While the Polish eagle is rendered in a traditional heraldic fashion, the lion is beautifully stylized with sweeping curvilinear lines typical of Szyk’s early work. Surrounding the eagle and the lion, ornate curlicues unfurl, creating a lace-like pattern on the black ink background. This image is a small jewel, unique in its unfinished right half that allows a glimpse into Szyk’s working method and demonstrates his consummate skill, even as a young artist.

Provenance: Alexandra Szyk Bracie, daughter of Arthur Szyk.

Exhibition History: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Palace of the Legion of Honor, December 4, 2010–March 27, 2011.