Jerusalem Faces, portfolio of six original lithographs by Oscar Kokoschka (1886-1980) – Portraits of Jerusalem's eminent personalities and political and religious figures. London: Published for the Benefit of the Jerusalem Foundation by Marlborough Graphics Ltd. and G. Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd., 1973. English. Copy no. 29 of 150 copies.
In April 1973, the expressionist artist Oscar Kokoschka visited Jerusalem. During his visit, he drew portraits of six prominent figures who were active at that time in Jerusalem and who impacted its character: Prime Minister Golda Meir; President of the Israeli Supreme Court Shimon Agranat; Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan; Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek; Patriarch of the Orthodox Greek Church in Jerusalem, Benedict I; and Head of the Waqf of Al-Aksa, Sheikh Mustafa Khalil al-Ansari. Kokoschka's portraits were published in this portfolio, under the auspices the Jerusalem Foundation.
Each of the lithographs is numbered (29/150) and signed in pencil by Kokoschka. A paper sheet folded in half with the titles of the lithographs and a colophon (also numbered) is enclosed with the lithographs.
[6] lithographs, 50X65 cm + [1] folded sheet, 47.5 cm. Each lithograph is enclosed in a thick paper wrapper (sheet folded in half), with a tissue guard. Good condition. Housed in fabric-covered box (stained).
Provenance: Collection of the Jerusalem Foundation, founded by Teddy Kollek.
The proceeds from the sale of this item will go to the Jerusalem Foundation and will be allocated for supporting projects in Jerusalem.