(MIZRACH)

“Shevithi Hashem Lenegdi Tamid” [“I place God before me at all times” (Psalms 16:8)]. Exquisite Synagogue Shevithi Plaque. Hebrew Manuscript <<on vellum.>>
Accomplished entirely in pen-and-ink. Displays the Divine Name of God (the Tetragrammaton), a seven-branched Menorah and surrounded by related Hebrew phraseology. Highly detailed including many classic Jewish iconographic elements: Eagle, coronet, rampant lions; but also more uncommon features which indicate a likely Ukrainian origin: Unicorns, griffins and - an unusual feature - twin lion heads (at base of columns). Dated and signed by the artist below: “Mordechai ben Menachem Nochum Yirmiyah HaKohen.”
Occasional surface discoloration, pinholes in places, some fading at lower left and right. 17.5 x 23.5 inches (44.50 x 59.70 cm).
(Poland / Ukraine): 1874
<< Executed with great artistic skill.>>===A magnificent Mizrach, recently discovered, and until now, never documented nor recorded. To date, no other works attributed to this manuscript-artist have been located, although his name indicates a likely Chassidic origin.