Shmuel Ben-David – Collection of Sketch Books

Shmuel Ben-David (1884-1927), seven sketch books and several single leaves with sketches. Jerusalem and Paris, [1910s]. Extensive collection of hundreds of sketches and drafts: drawings and sketches (two notebooks of Ben-David's studies in Paris in 1913 contain mainly drawings of models), drafts of Megilat Esther and various biblical stories, works for "Bezalel" – portrait of Boris Schatz, sketches for Ex-Libris labels, frames for stationery, emblems, games using combinations of letters and names, sketch for a carpet with the shape of Bezalel houses, Yemenite figures and oriental women, animals, flowers and trees, etc. Most of the sketches are in pencil or ink in black and white; just a few are in color. Amongst the sketches are some remarkable works of high quality. Total of 350 illustrated pages + 2 sketch books with illustrations of models + 9 single leaves. Various sizes and conditions.