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The Spies

SERIES

Heritage: The Hebrew Bible Series

YEAR

2024–2026

MEDIUM

Carved wood and cast-epoxy, selectively clad in gold metallic leaves

DIMENSIONS

224 × 174 cm (88.2 × 68.5 in)

“And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff.”

Numbers 13:23

Price$152,000

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The Spies, carved wood relief with gold metallic leaf by Amnon Moalem

About

This Work

The Spies, engraving after Maerten de Vos

The Spies. After Maerten de Vos, published by Gerard de Jode, 16th century.

At 224 centimeters wide, The Spies is the largest work in the Hebrew Bible Series. The image it depicts — two men carrying a single enormous cluster of grapes between them, evidence of a land of extraordinary abundance — has been one of the defining images of the Land of Israel across millennia. The scale of Amnon Moalem’s work is not accidental: the grape cluster was itself a statement about abundance, and so is the piece that depicts it.

Art Built to Last for Centuries

Wood Carving

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.

Cast-Epoxy

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.

Gold, Silver & Copper Leaves

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.

How a Monumental

Work Is Made

Source, Research & Interpretation

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.

Planning & Digital Preparation

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.

Manual Carving & Refinement

Following the initial preparation, Amnon performs extensive manual carving and refinement, developing the surfaces, forms, and details of the work.

Casting & Integration

In works that include cast-epoxy, the cast elements are produced and integrated according to the specific material and compositional requirements of the piece.

Surface Preparation

The combined structure is prepared for gilding: smoothed, sealed, and given a base that will hold the metallic leaves.

Gilding

Gold, silver, and copper leaves are applied by hand, one sheet at a time. A large-scale work can require weeks of gilding alone.

Documentation

Each completed work is photographed professionally, measured precisely, and documented for the collector’s record.

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