Illuminated Manuscripts for the 21st Century

Although cartoonist R. Crumb generated plaudits and attention with his new book, “The Book of Genesis Illustrated” (Norton, 2009) is not the only illustrated bible being released this season. Pittsburgh illustrator Ilene Winn-Lederer’s“Between Heaven and Earth; An Illuminated Torah Commentary” (Pomegranate Communications, 2009) though given limited attention has also been received with acclaim. Although as radical as Crumb, her trademark color pencil technique gives her work a distinctive feel and conveys a deep understanding of the text.

Cover, “Between Heaven and Earth: An Illuminated Torah Commentary”

“Deuteronomy/Devarim, Parashah Va’Etchannan.”

“Numbers/BaMidbar, Parashah Chukkat.”

“Deuteronomy/Devarim, Parashah Shoftim.” (left hand page)

“Deuteronomy/Devarim, Parashah Shoftim.” (right hand page)

“Numbers/BaMidbar, Parashah Korah.” (left hand page)

“Numbers/BaMidbar, Parashah Korah.”  (right hand page)

“Numbers/BaMidbar, Parashah Mattot.”

“Leviticus/VaYikra, Parashah B’Hukkotai.” (left hand page)

“Leviticus/VaYikra (detail), Parashah B’Hukkotai.”  (right hand page)