Information

This wood engraving was produced to illustrate the article 'Jews in England', that appeared in the magazine 'Once a Week' in August 1862. In the article the author attempts to summarise Jewish religious practices for a largely non-Jewish audience aided by three illustrations after designs by Solomon (see also 1978P554.2). This illustration depicts a Jewish wedding ceremony. The bride and groom stand under the wedding canopy, or Chuppah, with the rabbi and their close friends and family.This illustration, along with nine others by Solomon of 'the ceremonies of modern Jewish ritual, domestic and ecclesiastical,' was published in a series of photographs in 1862 by Coundall, Downes & Co. (Gleeson White, 'English illustration in the Sixties,' p. 83). The same designs were republished as wood engravings in 1866 in the periodical 'Leisure Hour' (vol. 15) as 'Illustrations of Jewish Customs.'Solomon was born into an observant Jewish family, and produced many works directly or indirectly connected with the Jewish faith. During his early career these were primarily subjects from the Old Testament and more rarely, as here, scenes of contemporary life. However, he became increasingly interested in the emotional, spiritual and aesthetic aspects of the practice of faith, moving towards images which capture religious fervour rather than accurately depicting religious practices.

  • Accessioned, 1978.
  • © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
Artist Simeon Solomon -

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
The Marriage Ceremony.
Title below image Printed 1862 Ink.
 

Literature

Author(s) Date(s) Publisher Pages
Once a Week
9 August 1862 - vol. 7, p. 193
 
Solomon: A Family of Painters
1985 Geffrye Museum, London p.10-11
 
The British Pre-Raphaelite Illustrators
Gregory Suriano 2005 Oak Knell Press, Newcastle, USA, and the British Library, London pp. 230-231, 330; repr. p. 229

Provenance

Acquired before 1978.

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