RUG DEPICTING THEODOR HERZL. Bezalel School, Jerusalem, early 20th century.

The central panel of this machine pile weave chenille rug depicts Theodor Herzl leaning on a balcony overlooking a stream of pilgrims approaching the Old City of Jerusalem at sunrise. The border includes foliate patterns and a Star of David, all in red, black, green and gold. H: 1130mm (without fringe). Excellent condition.

Immortal image, first derived from a photograph taken by E. M. Lilien during the First Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897. After appearing as an engraving by Hermann Struck, it came to be reproduced in every conceivable medium over the past century. See: A. Felton, Jewish Carpets: A History and Guide (1997) p. 73; Yeshiva University Museum Catalogue, Theodor Herzl (1998) no.150. Please note: in this rug, Herzl’s pose, facing right, is unusual.