Ze’ev Raban - three illustrations in color for “The Song of Songs” [ca. 1917].
During the years 1911-1918 Ze’ev Raban created a series of illustrations in watercolor for “The Song of Songs”. The series which included twenty five illustrations, was first published in 1923 (“HaSefer” publishing, Berlin) and is considered one of the peaks of his creation. Merging influences from various western artistic movements, including Symbolism, Orientalism and Art-Nouveau, with Jewish and oriental motifs, he created a unique style and a fascinating interpretation of the “Song of Songs”.
The illustrations are divided into three parts - on the lower part appears a verse from the scroll; above it the illustration which accompanies it; and around it a decorative frame with various symbolic illustrations.
Presented are three sketches of illustrations drawn by Raban for “The Song of Songs”, portraying the figure of King Solomon and Shulamit in Solomon’s Temple.
1. “Yafa at Ra’ayati ke-tirza”. Watercolor, ink and pencil on paper. Signed and dated, 1917.
Titled on the lower margins: “Sketch for an illustration for the book ‘The Song of Songs’. Leaf, ca. 25X17.5 cm. Good condition. Creases and stains. Tears to edges.
2. “Le-Susati Be-Richvei Par’o dimitich ra’ayati”. Watercolor, ink and pencil on paper, signed. On the margins of the sketch and on the reverse appear additional illustrations, in pencil and in pen - a peacock, figures of a man and a woman embracing (King Solomon and the Shulamit?), and other decorations. Leaf, 25X23 cm, folded. Good condition. Stains.
3. “Pashateti et kutanti eichacha elbashena”. Watercolor and ink on Bristol board. Signed. The sketch is very different from the final illustration by Raban, in its colors, composition and the illustrated frame. Ca. 14.5X12 cm. Good condition. Minor damages.
Each illustration is in a passe-par-tout.