Bidspirit auction | Al HaMichya Blessing – Decorated

Al HaMichya Blessing – Decorated and Hand-Colored Print. [Europe, 18th–19th Centuries]. Unrecorded Bibliographically. Unique Copy? - A handsome and unusual print of the Al HaMichya blessing, set within a magnificent architectural frame and surrounded by ornaments and biblical figures. At the center of the print appears the text of the concluding blessing recited after eating mezonot foods, drinking wine, or eating fruits of the Seven Species. On either side of the text appear biblical figures: Moshe Rabbeinu holding the Tablets of the Covenant, and Aharon HaKohen in his distinctive priestly garments. The style of printing, ornamentation, and architectural composition is characteristic of Jewish works printed in Europe during the 18th–19th centuries and intended for the decoration of private homes, batei midrash, and religious institutions. The print is hand-colored in its original period coloring, adding an exceptional artistic and decorative dimension. It is possible that it was commissioned by an important individual as a unique one-of-a-kind work created especially for him. Before us is a rare and insufficiently documented item; we have been unable to locate a parallel copy or a clear bibliographic reference. [1] paper leaf. 20 × 28 cm. Housed in an antique frame; overall size: 24 × 31 cm. Condition: Very fine. Original hand-coloring from the period of printing. Housed in an antique frame.