Israeli Lounge Ceiling Panels

These 40 wooden ceiling panels decorated with acrylic paints and 22-carat gold leaf by Shraga Weil (1918–2009), combine images from the present with those of the biblical era.

The panels illustrate musical events described in the Old Testament, such as Joshua and his fighters capturing Jericho by blowing their trumpets, causing the city’s walls to collapse. The artwork (including the colors) is reminiscent of Mark Chagall’s work and also contains influences of the art deco period.

Weil was born in what was then called Czechoslovakia, where he attended the Academy of Art in Prague. His first graphic works were produced during World War II when he was a prisoner. He escaped the Holocaust despite his Jewish origins.

After the war, Weil emigrated to Israel where he earned a living as an illustrator. Weil subsequently furthered his education in graphics by studying in Paris; he also studied mosaic workmanship in Ravenna, Italy.

Weil’s works have been exhibited worldwide, and many are on permanent exhibit at Brandeis University, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Los Angeles County Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.