This Torah crown from Suriname was made originally in Amsterdam by Evert van Heerdan (active 1644–1683). It is a fine repoussé piece exemplifying the mastery of Dutch silverwork practices. Inscribed on the reverse side of the crown is the name of its donor, Semuel Coen Nassi, a prominent member of the Jewish community who donated this piece. He bought the land on which Suriname’s first synagogue was built and was also a commander of the community’s militia. Handsomely decorated with punched, engraved leaves, flowers, and animals, the crown’s band is additionally adorned with diamonds, circles, and other geometric forms.
These silver and filigree Torah finials used by Amsterdam’s Ashkenazic community are shaped like four-tiered towers. They have gilt bells in their arches and gilt urns on their corners and are topped…
Saul Leiter was known for his photographs of street life in New York City and for his pioneering work in color photography, but he also took more intimate pictures of his family and friends. This…
Nocturne was painted after Marcel Janco and his family moved to Palestine. Showing two men ministering to a mortally wounded soldier, surrounded by weeping, lamenting figures, the painting creates a…