Dona Gracia Nasi Canvas

Description

ByMicol Bayer

Dona Gracia Nasi 1510-1569

I have always been fascinated by the story of Dona Gracia who defied all odds to

become one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Jewish history. As a woman

of Sephardic Turkish heritage, I feel a strong connection to the history and culture of the

world in which Dona Gracia lived. I am inspired by her life of charity and her legacy of

helping any Jew in need, establishing synagogues and supporting Torah study.

Although she never made it to Israel, her love for the land is evident in this portrait.

Inspired by a drawing of her, this papercut reflects her regal stature and love for Israel.

On the scroll she is holding reads – Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim tishkach yemini (If I

forget Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its strength) signifying her longing for Israel.

Her connection to the land is captured by the city of Teveria, in the background, which

she leased from the Sultan under Ottoman rule with the goal of creating a center for

Jewish learning and trade. I am inspired by her role as one of the earliest models of a

Zionist woman leader.

About the artist

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Micol now lives in Israel where she works from

a home studio overlooking the beautiful and historic Judean Hills. Micol is continually

inspired by the nature and beauty of the land. As a visual artist, what Micol finds most

rewarding is partnering with her clients to design one-of-a-kind papercut works of art

that are both beautiful and deeply imbued with personal meaning.