Opening of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University‭, ‬with Key to Participants’‭ ‬Names

The Opening of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, copy of a painting by Leopold Pilichowski. [London, Raphael Tuck & Sons. 1925]. 28 x 60 cm.

The painting shows Lord Arthur Balfour speaking on the occasion of the opening of the Hebrew University, on April 1, 1925. On the dais behind him sit the invited dignitaries. These include Rabbis Abraham Isaac Kook, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi (who later regretted his participation); the Sephardi Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yaakov Meir; the Chief Rabbi of England, Dr. Joseph Herman Hertz; Chaim Weitzman and Chaim Nachman Bialik, among others. The establishment of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem was a milestone in the history of Israel. The encouragement given by the British Mandate to the new university was also politically significant.

An important addition: Printed together with this print is its key with more than 120 numbers matched to names of the men and women in the picture, on a large sheet (3805 x 26 cm). The header at the top reads: Key to the Color Facsimile of “The Opening of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem by the Earl of Balfour, K.G.” Painted by L. Pilichowski. The printer’s name appears at the bottom. It is probable that the printer had this print and key made because his son, Mr. Gustave Tuck and his wife appear in the list (nos. 86-87). The key is very rare and unknown.

Leopold Pilichowski (1869 – 1931) was born in Zadin, Poland and raised in nearby Lodz. By 1891 he was already exhibiting his works in Paris where he lived for a number of years. In 1914 he moved to London. Pilichowski became a successful portraitist. He was an ardent socialist and Zionist, and endeavored to give visual expression to both. Many of his pictures were of pious Jews in various moods and postures. The giant-size original painting hangs in the Hebrew University’s Administration building at the Mount Scopus campus.

The print and the key are in very good condition, with the exception of a tear in the key with the loss of one person, which was restored.