Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of some common questions that previous clients have asked about Arthur Szyk, The Szyk Haggadah, and Historicana:

Arthur Szyk

I own a Szyk work in good condition. What can you tell me about it? Is it valuable?

In addition to the original art itself, Szyk's works are available as illustrated books, fine art prints, posters, stamps, and more. Please review Shop Szyk to see whether a similar work is for sale here on Szyk.com; every listing includes a complete description. If your Szyk work is not listed in Shop Szyk, or specifically addressed in the FAQ, you may contact us about the work, providing as much as the following information as possible: title, date, medium, dimensions, and provenance. You might also consider taking photographs of the work, in case they are needed for clarification. We will reply to your inquiry as soon as feasible.

Where can I find a copy of Andersen’s Fairy Tales illustrated by Arthur Szyk?

Szyk’s Andersen’s Fairy Tales, published by Grosset & Dunlap, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, is the most republished of all illustrated Andersen’s Fairy Tales. It is available inexpensively on the Web. If you are interested in original artwork, please note that Andersen’s Fairy Tales originals are available here on Szyk.com. Just browse Original Art on Shop Szyk for the latest selections.

Can you send me a high-resolution image of an Arthur Szyk work?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with the title and date of the work that interests you and include a brief explanation of how you plan to use the image. Depending on your intended usage, we may charge a fee.

Where can I buy catalogues of past Arthur Szyk exhibitions?

Catalogues of past exhibitions may be purchased at museum gift shops or directly from their respective publishers. See The Arthur Szyk Society for a list of past exhibition venues. Also, historic catalogues from exhibitions prior to 1975 are available on Szyk.com. Just browse Ephemera on Shop Szyk for the latest selections.

Where can I find more information about the artist Arthur Szyk?

For more information about this important 20th century American artist, visit the About Arthur Szyk section of our Web site and The Arthur Szyk Society.

The Szyk Haggadah

I have an edition of The Szyk Haggadah. Is it valuable?

If your copy of The Szyk Haggadah is in fine condition, the 1940 vellum edition signed by Cecil Roth and Arthur Szyk can command tens of thousands of dollars. The early, blue velvet-covered trade editions (1956, 1957, and 1960) may be worth a few hundred dollars, but only if the book and its original cloth and leather box are in fine condition, with no personal inscriptions. And, of course, the new edition of The Szyk Haggadah is available for $8,800 (Deluxe edition) and $18,000 (Premier edition). All other editions—including metal-covered editions of The Szyk Haggadahs from the 1960s onward—have sentimental value only.

What’s the difference between the 1940 edition and the 2008 edition of The Szyk Haggadah?

There are numerous differences between the 1940 edition and 2008 edition. For instance, the 1940 edition was printed by letterpress and halftone process on vellum, while the 2008 edition was printed by ink-jet on custom paper and most closely captures the brilliance and detail of the original artwork. Also, the 1940 version of The Szyk Haggadah included a translation and commentary by Cecil Roth, while the 2008 version of The Szyk Haggadah has an all-new translation and commentary by Byron L. Sherwin. Please see The Szyk Haggadah section of our Web site for more information on the outstanding features of the 2008 edition.

My edition of The Szyk Haggadah appears to have been printed in 1939. Is it valuable?

You most likely have opened your copy of The Szyk Haggadah to a reproduction of Arthur Szyk’s illuminated French Dedication page, which includes the date 1939, the year The Szyk Haggadah was originally expected to be published. This detail is misleading; the earliest printing of The Szyk Haggadah was in 1940.

Other

Do you buy books?

Yes. We prefer books in “near fine” condition that are illustrated by Arthur Szyk. Additionally, we purchase books, manuscripts, autograph letters, photographs, and related material within the field of historic Judaica. Contact us for details.

Do you buy art?

Yes. We actively buy original art by Arthur Szyk. We also buy artwork in the field of historic Judaica. Contact us for details.

Do you do appraisals?

Generally, no; however, we pleased to make referrals. Contact us for details.