*Picture of Hai Sabba Kadisha the elder rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shmuel Salant, chief rabbi of the Ashkenazic congregation of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Monsohn printing press [1903?].
Specifications: [1] paper leaf, 28×37 cm. Lithographic printing.
Special Features: Rare. Does not appear in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, one of Monsohn’s earliest works.
Background: It is known that Rabbi Shmuel Salant refused to have his picture taken, therefore this is a portrait painting of him. The picture has a very long inscription including details about the rabbi’s life, including his exact date of birth. At the end, it is noted that in 1901 the Aderet agreed to immigrate to Jerusalem to assist Rabbi Shmuel Salant with his role. It is known that the Aderet passed away in 1905, during Rabbi Shmuel Salant’s lifetime.
A similar picture appeared in the booklet Defus A. L. Monsohn 1892-1992 which was printed in Jerusalem in 2009. However, the writing under that picture is much shorter. There the picture is estimated to be from 1903 and it is written that in photographs the rabbi appears with his eyes closed, and Monsohn drew the eyes from his memory.
Condition: Moderate. Professionally restored tear in the upper right hand corner without damage to the painting. Stains.
* Picture of the true Gaon the famous righteous Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin. Lit. HaAchim Monsohn, Jerusalem.
Specifications: [1] leaf, 22×27 cm. Lithograph print.
Unique Features: We have not found any printed items in the bibliography with the words ‘HaAchim Monsohn’ as appears before us.
Condition: Very fine.