David Ben Gurion Extremely Rare Relief Sculpture By M.Ziffer 1949

Moshe Ziffer (1902-1989), was one of the most important sculptors and pioneer figures in the realm of Israeli art. Among his remarkable and most famous works are his sculpting of several iconic figures within the Zionist movement.

Our collection proudly showcases the extremely rare David Ben Gurion Relief sculpture from 1949. David Ben-Gurion, a leading Zionist, regarded as the key architect of the State of Israel and its first prime minister

Born in Galicia, Ziffer was educated in the spirit of Zionism and the Hebrew language, at 17, he made his way to Tel Aviv. In 1924, he further honed his craft in Vienna, studying sculpture at the School of Arts. Despite successful exhibitions in Europe, he continued his studies in Berlin, supported financially and morally by his close friend, Prof. Albert Einstein. Regrettably, the whereabouts of Ziffer’s pre-World War II sculptures remain unknown.

Upon returning to Israel in 1933, Ziffer pioneered an advanced and modern work method. Residing in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, continued creating sculptures and establishing the breathtaking sculpture garden in Safed.

Throughout his lifetime, Ziffer maintained close ties with some of the greatest Zionist intellectuals of his era, including Einstein, whose support extended to funding Ziffer’s studies, and Ben Gurion. Ziffer continues to leave an indelible mark on the Israeli cultural landscape to this day.

His highly sought-after works grace several Israeli museums, in addition, Ziffer crafted memorial monuments nationwide. Internationally, Ziffer showcased large-scale sculptures at fairs in Brussels (1938) and New York (1958). His legacy also includes garden and architectural sculptures at institutions like the Weizmann Institute, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Technion in Haifa.