Tapestry for B'nai Torah, Boca Raton FL

Various fabrics and embellishments
Machine appliqué, paint-textured framework
Original graphic by Arnold Schwartzbart. Project coordination by Martin Jacobson
549 cm. high x 244 cm. wide (18' x 8')

In illustrating the text from Pirke Avot - "Be strong as a leopard, swift as an eagle, fleet as a gazelle, and brave as a lion to do the will of God" – several design sources came into play. These include the European carved ark doors that were Arnold's initial inspiration; the burnished Mediterranean hues of Paul Klee's painting Villas Florentines; and the mille fleurs tapestry tradition seen in the Unicorn Tapes-tries, and revived in the 20th century by William Morris and Jean Lurcat.


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