Land Israel, twenty-five etchings by Hermann Struck, each signed in pencil. Frankfurt am Main: J. Kauffmann, [1905?]. Copy numbered 6/100.
The etchings are based on drawings from Struck’s first journey to Palestine in 1903, which are considered a landmark in the history of Jewish art in the Palestine. Martin Buber lauded these works as a pioneering portrayal of Eretz Israel from a distinctly Jewish perspective.
Apparently, the etchings were prepared shortly after Struck’s return (some plates are dated 1903-1905). Depicted are, among others, the Tower of David in Jerusalem, the Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes in Tiberias, Tomb of Absalom, the colony of Rehovot, as well as another version of one of his most celebrated works – a Jew praying at the Western Wall, here rendered in smaller dimensions and in reverse, with his right hand on the Wall rather than his left.
All the etchings are matted and signed in the margins, most with inscriptions on verso. A printed leaf with the list of works is enclosed (copy number handwritten on this leaf). Preserved in the original portfolio, with printed illustration and title on front. Inscription on the title page, dated 1921 (signed "K"?).
For reference, see Hebrew description.
[25] etchings, size varies (mounted on passe-partouts, approx. 43 cm each, except one). Overall good condition. Stains and minor blemishes. Browining to some plates. Tears and minor defects to title page. Original portfolio, blemished, with cloth spine and edges (tears along spine and edges, some loss to binding).
