Alternative composition sketches [2] of Moses, seated with the Tablets of the Law
Drawing
1842 (Made)
1842 (Made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The Testimonial is an ornamental piece of silver about 107 cm high and weighing 1319 oz. which was presented to Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1884) in gratitude for his part in protecting the Jews of Damascus and Rhodes from persecution. He had made a journey to Constantinople in 1840 to intercede with Sultan Abdul-Mecit of Turkey. For a full description and illustrations of the Biblical and emblematic representations see The Illustrated London News, March 4, 1843. The figures were modelled by E. H. Baily R.A, and the piece executed by Messrs. Mortimer & Hunt.
The composition is surmounted with a figure of David rescuing the lamb from the lion. Below are four panels in low relief, showing the landing of Sir Moses Montefiore at Alexandria, his Audience with the Sultan of Turkey, the Liberation of the captives at Damascus and the Thanksgiving at the Synagogue. There are four figures at the corners. Moses, Esra, a Jew in chains and a Jew liberated. On the base, four panels in low relief showing the Passage of the Red Sea, the Destruction of the flocks by Lions and Wolves, the Lion lying down with the Lamb, and an inscription. The whole composition is supported with four sphinxes.
The composition is surmounted with a figure of David rescuing the lamb from the lion. Below are four panels in low relief, showing the landing of Sir Moses Montefiore at Alexandria, his Audience with the Sultan of Turkey, the Liberation of the captives at Damascus and the Thanksgiving at the Synagogue. There are four figures at the corners. Moses, Esra, a Jew in chains and a Jew liberated. On the base, four panels in low relief showing the Passage of the Red Sea, the Destruction of the flocks by Lions and Wolves, the Lion lying down with the Lamb, and an inscription. The whole composition is supported with four sphinxes.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Alternative composition sketches [2] of Moses, seated with the Tablets of the Law (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Pen and ink on buff paper |
| Brief description | One of 28 designs and tracings for the silver Testimonial to Sir Moses Montefiore FRS, 1842. Sir George Hayter |
| Physical description | Design in an album containing 28 designs and tracings for the silver Testimonial to Sir Moses Montefiore FRS. The designs, and an explanatory letter from the artist, are pasted down on 13 sheets of wove paper [many others torn out] bound in an album with covers half bound in morocco with marbled boards. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Provenance: Sale at Christies, December 16 1969, Alfred Rubens, Harold Sebag Montefiore Esq. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | The Testimonial is an ornamental piece of silver about 107 cm high and weighing 1319 oz. which was presented to Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1884) in gratitude for his part in protecting the Jews of Damascus and Rhodes from persecution. He had made a journey to Constantinople in 1840 to intercede with Sultan Abdul-Mecit of Turkey. For a full description and illustrations of the Biblical and emblematic representations see The Illustrated London News, March 4, 1843. The figures were modelled by E. H. Baily R.A, and the piece executed by Messrs. Mortimer & Hunt. The composition is surmounted with a figure of David rescuing the lamb from the lion. Below are four panels in low relief, showing the landing of Sir Moses Montefiore at Alexandria, his Audience with the Sultan of Turkey, the Liberation of the captives at Damascus and the Thanksgiving at the Synagogue. There are four figures at the corners. Moses, Esra, a Jew in chains and a Jew liberated. On the base, four panels in low relief showing the Passage of the Red Sea, the Destruction of the flocks by Lions and Wolves, the Lion lying down with the Lamb, and an inscription. The whole composition is supported with four sphinxes. |
| Bibliographic reference | Anglo-Jewish Silver Exhibition, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1977 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.252:15-1990 |
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| Record created | February 18, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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