BOSBOOM, JOHANNES.

AUCTION 13 | Tuesday, June 26th, 2001 at 1:00

Important Hebrew Printed Books and Manuscripts Together With Fine Graphic and Ceremonial Art

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Lot 92

BOSBOOM, JOHANNES.

The Aschkenazi Synagogue, The Hague. An evocative view of the interior of the Synagogue with worshippers at prayer. Distinct are the wooden Ark which dominates the background, as well as other architectural elements such as the recognizable high-volted ceiling and the brass hanging candelabra. 340mmx440mm.

c. 1880.:

Est: $10,000 - $12,000

Johannes Bosboom (1817-18981) concentrated on the architecture and composition of religious interiors. He painted the interiors of both Aschkenazic and Sephardic Synagogues in The Hague and Amsterdam. The present painting is reminiscent of the Rembrandtesque contrasting use of light serving to enhance the religious atmosphere portrayed. Of interest is the striking use of broad brushstrokes executed on the Ark and other architectural elements while paying closer attention to detail with regard to the worshippers in the foreground. The Ark itself was decorated with Louis XIV ornaments and dated back to 1722. The upper part was donated by the Portuguese Synagogue on the Lange Voorhout in the 18th century. It is assumed that this painting was accomplished after 1875 since previous to then the Ark had a white layer of paint which was subsequently removed. Bosboom maintained a close relationship with Josef Israels. See Benezit vol. II, p. 26; D. Dekkers (et al) Jozef Israëls 1824-1911 (1999) pp. 44, 66, 97, 104.