The history of the Jewish people can be seen in works of art, and archaeological discoveries around the world. Some of which were produced by Jews, others by non-Jews. This rich history can be told in works from The Arch of Titus in Rome, the Judea Captea coins, mosaics in synagogues, and so much more.
Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates Of Paradise (1425 - 52); replica, Replica courtesy The Frilli Gallery/Guild of the Dome Association, Florence, original creator Lorenzo Ghiberti, 1990, From the collection of: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Gates of Paradise depicts 10 scenes from the Hebrew Bible. It uses perspective and proportion to give the illusion of depth.
Exodus #18, And he wrote upon the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments, Lipman-Wulf, Peter, 1960, From the collection of: Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History
A depiction of Moses holding the 10 commandments. This piece achieves unity and balance with the tablets on the left and Moses on the right with his arm wrapped around the bottom holding them close to him.
"House of David" inscribed on a victory stele, Unknown, Iron Age II, 9th century BCE, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
House of David is the first known reference to King David outside of the Hebrew Bible.
The Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, Circle of Juan de la Corte, 1630 - 1660, From the collection of: Fundación Banco Santander
This piece depicts a scene inside Solomon's Temple It uses perspective and proportion to give the illusion of three dimensional space. The hall and arches decrease in size to the vanishing point.
Coins (prutot) of the Hasmonean kings Mattathias Antigonus, Judah Aristobulus, and Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), Unknown, Hellenistic Period, 104 BCE - Hellenistic Period, 37 BCE, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Coins minted to show victory over Greeks in relief sculpted style. Each achieves balance with its carving centered on the coins.
[Interior - arch of Titus], Robert Macpherson, 1850s, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
The Arch of Titus in Rome depicts the Roman conquest and looting of Judea. It is a relief sculpture style decorating an iconic Roman arch.
Sestertius depicting "Judea Capta" (Captive Judea), Unknown, Early Roman Period, 80–81 CE, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Coin depicting Roman occupation of Judea in relief sculpture style. Emphasis is placed on the Roman soldier on the left side of the coin.
King David as Orpheus in a synagogue mosaic, Unknown, 508 CE, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Mosaic of King David as Orpheus showing Greek influence on synogogue floor in Gaza 508ce. Proportion is used to show depth as David is much larger than the animal to the right.
Synagogue floor, Unknown, Byzantine Period, 5th century CE - Byzantine Period, 7th century CE, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Mosaic on a synogogue floor Beit Sheen near the Sea of Galilee 5th-7th century. This piece uses balance and unity to represent the continued connection to Judaism and the Temple long after the Romans conquered.
Early draft of the Mishneh Torah by Maimonides in his own hand, Cambridge University Library, 1170/1180, From the collection of: British Museum
Mishna Torah is considered one of the great commentaries on Jewish Law and oral tradition in history. The journey of Maimonides from Spain to Egypt is a story of Jewish history unto itself.
Torah ark curtain 1834 Prague, Czech Republic. This piece uses color contrast to highlight the menorah in the middle with red.
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