A rare Victorian albumen portrait of Sir Moses Haim Montefiore (1784–1885), issued in 1884 to commemorate the centenary of his birth. The image depicts the elderly Montefiore in profile, wearing his characteristic head covering. It is a photographic reproduction of a painted portrait of Montefiore, rather than a direct photographic portrait from life. Printed beneath the portrait is the title: “THE CENTENARY OF SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE. 1884.” followed by a contemporary biographical text recording important events in Montefiore's life, including his birth at Livorno in 1784, his service as Sheriff of London, his knighthood and baronetcy, and his travels and public activities. The year 1884 was of exceptional significance in Montefiore's life. His 100th birthday was widely celebrated in Britain and among Jewish communities throughout the world. Importantly, Montefiore was still alive when this centenary portrait was issued; he died the following year, on 28 July 1885, aged 100. Montefiore was one of the most prominent Jewish personalities of the 19th century – a financier, philanthropist and communal leader who devoted decades to assisting Jewish communities throughout the world and made seven journeys to the Holy Land. His name became particularly associated with the development of the Jewish community in Jerusalem, including Mishkenot Sha'ananim. The particular appeal of this piece lies in the combination of an original 19th-century albumen photograph, Montefiore portraiture and an explicitly dated 1884 centenary issue produced during his lifetime. An attractive and historically significant piece of Victorian Judaica reflecting the extraordinary esteem in which Sir Moses Montefiore was held during his own lifetime.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art