Samson Hostes Suos Exitio Dans Moritur. J. Van Buysen, 1711–1720.
The final act of Samson’s life — blind, captive, his enemies gathered to mock him — ends with a demonstration of strength more decisive than any that preceded it. Amnon Moalem’s Samson captures the gathering of forces at the moment before release. The columns are there. The weight is there. What follows is history.
In the carved wooden works, the initial preparation may involve CNC technology to establish the primary structure and composition. Amnon then continues through extensive manual carving, refinement, and surface work. The balance between technological preparation and handwork varies according to the scale, subject, and requirements of each piece.
Epoxy resin is used in selected works as an independent material or in combination with carved wood. Its role differs from one piece to another and may include structural, visual, translucent, or surface-related functions.
The gilding stage is the final and most demanding phase. Metallic leaves, 24 Karat gold, silver, and copper, are applied by hand, sheet by sheet, to the finished surface. The technique is ancient, used for centuries to adorn relics, altarpieces, and sacred objects. In Amnon's work it serves the same purpose: to signal that what you are looking at is not ordinary.
Most works begin with a close study of a well-known artwork or engraving. Amnon develops a personal interpretation through material, technique, scale, composition, and surface treatment.
The composition, scale, and proportions are prepared for production. In carved wooden works, this stage may include CNC-assisted preparation before the manual carving process begins.
Following the initial preparation, Amnon performs extensive manual carving and refinement, developing the surfaces, forms, and details of the work.
In works that include cast-epoxy, the cast elements are produced and integrated according to the specific material and compositional requirements of the piece.
The combined structure is prepared for gilding: smoothed, sealed, and given a base that will hold the metallic leaves.
Gold, silver, and copper leaves are applied by hand, one sheet at a time. A large-scale work can require weeks of gilding alone.
Each completed work is photographed professionally, measured precisely, and documented for the collector’s record.
Moses
Jacob Wrestling with the Angel
Metallic Version
Rachel's Grave
Isaac Blessing Jacob
David and Goliath
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