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Ben Shahn
Silkscreen with Old Testament Psalm 57 pencil signed 255/300 provenance letter

1967

About the Item

Ben Shahn Silkscreen inspired by Old Testament Psalm 57, 1967 Silkscreen on Japon paper Hand signed and numbered 255/300 by the artist on the front, with a copy of the provenance letter (see photo) 23.5 x 23.5 inches Unframed (ships flat between boards, not rolled, given the delicateness of the Japon paper) Silkscreen on Japon paper inspired by Psalm 57, a psalm of David from the Old Testament by the celebrated artist Ben Shahn "Praise him with psaltery and harp", hand signed, numbered and dated 1966 This work, inspired by Psalm 57 of the Old Testament has fine provenance. It was a gift of the Chairman of Benrus Watch Corporation to his good friends to welcome in the year 1967. (Shown here is a copy of the letter from Chairman Oscar M. Lazrus to recipients of this special gift featuring a quote from the Psalm of David, and introducing the distinguished American artist Ben Shahn, with this exquisite work.) For your reference, below is the complete text of Psalm 57: For the Leader; Al-tashheth. [A Psalm] of David; Michtam; when he fled from Saul, in the cave. Be gracious unto me, O God, be gracious unto me, For in Thee hath my soul taken refuge; Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I take refuge, Until calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God Most high; Unto God that accomplisheth it for me. He will send from heaven, and save me, When he that would swallow me up taunteth, Selah God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. My soul is among lions, I do lie down among them that are aflame; Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Thy glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps, My soul is bowed down; They have digged a pit before me, They are fallen into the midst thereof themselves. Selah My heart is stedfast, O God, my heart is stedfast; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises. Awake, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp; I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises unto Thee among the nations. For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, And Thy truth unto the skies. Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Thy glory be above all the earth. An edition of this wonderful work sold at Freeman's auction in 2005 for $3,750. Religious theme, Judaica, Jewish art, Ben Shahn, mid century modern, Old Testament, psalms
  • Creator:
    Ben Shahn (1898-1969, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1967
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    ships flat between boards, not rolled, given the delicateness of the Japon paper.
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1745212793962

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