Design for Jewish Army Uniforms. London, late 1930s?

SZYK, Arthur. Design for Jewish Army Uniforms. (London, late 1930s?) Pen and colored pencil on paper. Sheet size: 8 5/8″ x 11″.  Image size: 10 1/2″ x 6″. Very Good condition.

This piece comprises one in a series of drawings (in stapled sketchbook) of soldiers in varying costumes for the “Jewish Army.” What, exactly these drawings were intended for remains unclear. It is possible they resulted from a conversation Szyk may have had with his good friend Ze’ev Jabotinsky, a militant Zionist. It is also possible these were early sketches eventually intended for the Committee for a Jewish Army. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Szyk saw these sketches as representing the kind of Jewish Army he hoped might one day exist. The men represented in these drawings are chiseled, with grim, fierce eyes and strong cheekbones. They exude a stoic courage, evident in their distant gaze and firm posture.

The figure in this particular sketch stands looking out to the right of the picture plane, his right hand dangling in front of his hip. He is stylized in a manner common in many of Szyk’s costume designs, with exaggerated billowing fabric at the thighs, thick calves, and large feet. His physical presence is emphasized, creating a sense of his imposing military strength. There is little of the fine detail Szyk lavished on many of his storybook figures: this man is rendered with sweeping, decisive lines and spare detail. Stars of David emblazoned on his belt as well as his left arm proclaim the purpose of his mission. Szyk experiments with the Star of David symbol on the figure’s left, sketching it in pencil, perhaps for a button design or further embellishment for the uniform. He titles the piece simply: “Jewish Army.”

Provenance: Alexandra Szyk Bracie, daughter of Arthur Szyk.