Sabbath Blessing
Limited Edition Color Woodcut or Lithograph on Paper • Irving Amen (American, 1918-2011)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Judaica / Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Color print employing woodcut or lithography techniques with expressive, multi-layered ink applications and graphic line-work reminiscent of stained glass leading.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 14 inches (image size), Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A Jewish woman performs the ritual of lighting the Sabbath candles. The composition features a central candelabra (menorah), a Kiddush cup, and Challah bread on a table. The figure is shrouded in a white headcovering, her hands raised in traditional blessing. The background is a fractured, semi-cubist field of geometric patterns and symbolic rays of light.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light acid burn from matting and slight toning across the paper.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 236/300 in pencil. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery specializing in mid-century prints or a Judaica collection. Common in private American estates from the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Irving Amen was a prolific American artist known for his woodcuts and depictions of Jewish life. This work is representative of the post-WWII American Jewish art renaissance, blending European modernism with traditional religious themes. His work is held by the MoMA, Smithsonian, and the Bibliotheque Nationale.
Notable Features
Signed 'Amen' in pencil lower right; titled 'Sabbath Blessing' lower center; editioned '236/300' lower left. Features a distinctive 'stained-glass' aesthetic used to convey spiritual luminosity.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper (toning) consistent with age; possible minor light-fading of the warmer pigments. The matting appears original and may not be acid-free.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional re-matting using archival-quality acid-free materials and UV-protective glazing to prevent further discoloration and fading. Keep away from direct sunlight.