Mount Zion, Israel 

David Burliuk's painting "Mount Zion, Israel" captures a vibrant scene of everyday life in early 20th-century Jerusalem. Burliuk, a key figure in the Russian avant-garde, emigrated to the United States in 1922, later making several trips to Israel. Here, Burliuk presents a modern Mount Zion. An earth tone palette constructs the rolling hills that are punctuated by a lively procession of people. Figures from different walks of life populate the scene; from what appears to be Orthodox Jews, to families, and individuals riding animals, the painting presents a microcosm of Israeli society. Burliuk, like many early modernists, was fascinated with folk art traditions and naive styles of painting, which is evident in his simplified forms and bright colors. By capturing these intimate moments, Burliuk offers a complex portrait of a community rooted in historical tension, yet thriving with life and diversity. He asks us to consider the multifaceted identities that converge in this sacred space.