1970s Chaim Gross Limited Color Lithograph 'Prophet Ezra' Judaica Print Signed, Number

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This captivating, limited edition color lithograph by Chaim Gross portrays the biblical prophet Ezra, the scribe and leader who restored … Read more This captivating, limited edition color lithograph by Chaim Gross portrays the biblical prophet Ezra, the scribe and leader who restored Jewish law after the Babylonian exile, rendered in Gross's signature style of dynamic lines, warm earth tones, and subtle symbolic elements like scrolls or ethereal backgrounds evoking ancient manuscripts. Ezra's figure exudes scholarly wisdom and spiritual depth, with fluid contours and layered colors that blend Gross's direct-carving influences from sculpture into two-dimensional form—creating a sense of movement and reverence ideal for contemplation. Measuring 21 inches in height, it is pencil-signed "Chaim Gross '72" in the lower right and numbered "1/150" in the lower left, ensuring authenticity and rarity. Presented in an elegant, vintage giltwood frame with carved accents that complement the Judaica theme, the piece is in excellent condition with vibrant colors, no foxing, and secure matting under UV-protective glass. As a cornerstone of mid-20th-century American-Jewish art, it serves as both a cultural artifact and a striking decorative element for homes, studies, or synagogues.

Age: Dated 1972, this lithograph is 53 years old as of November 30, 2025. It represents Gross's mature period, following his 1969 Jewish Holidays series and amid his increasing focus on biblical themes, making it a quintessential vintage piece from the height of his printmaking career.

Usage: Designed for display as inspirational wall art in Jewish homes, offices, synagogues, or cultural spaces, it evokes themes of renewal and Torah study. Likely minimally handled as a collector's item, it has been preserved well, with the frame suggesting occasional rotation in a private collection rather than heavy daily use.

Origin: Created in New York City by Chaim Gross, a Hungarian-Jewish immigrant who became a pivotal figure in American sculpture and Judaica after settling in the U.S. in 1921. This print stems from Gross's post-World War II oeuvre, influenced by his multiple trips to Israel (e.g., 1949 and 1951) and collaborations with institutions like the Jewish Museum. Produced as part of a limited series likely through publishers such as Associated American Artists (common for Gross's editions), it reflects the 1970s boom in accessible Jewish fine art prints. The frame, labeled from a Boston-area shop, indicates U.S. provenance but post-dates the artwork.

Item dimensions: 21 in tall × 24.5 in wide × 1.25 in deep
Weight of item: 5 lb 6 oz See less