Arthur Szyk (American, 1894-1951) To Keep Their Consciences Clean, Ink & Blood book interior, 1945 Watercolor and gouache on paper 9 x 5-1/2 inches (22.9 x 14.0 cm) (sight) Signed and dated lower right: Szyk 1945 Property from the Nelkin Collection PROVENANCE: Christies, New York, April 7, 1982, lot 162; The Nelkin Collection. Arthur Szyk was a Polish-born Jewish artist and illustrator renowned for his detailed and vivid illustrations that often focused on themes of social justice, human rights, and resistance to oppression. His work, steeped in the rich traditions of illuminated manuscripts and medieval art, was often used as a form of political protest. During World War II, he created numerous grotesque and satirical caricatures of Totalitarian Axis leaders such as this depiction of Benito Mussolini and Dietrich von Saucken. The present work is published as a plate XXXV in Ink & Blood: A Book of Drawings by Arthur Szyk with the caption "And out of the Jews they murdered they made soap to keep their consciences clean" (Heritage Press, 1946). HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved