The Contemplative Elder.

Isidor Kaufman (Arad, Hungary 1853- Vienna 1921)

c.1900.

Oil on panel. Signed vertically by artist lower right, Framed

JIM THE INTRO BELOW TO BE PLACED BEFORE LOT 512. Isidor Kaufmann (1853- 1921) Lots 512-513 Arguably, Jewish Arts’ most important genre artist. Isidor Kaufmann traveled throughout Eastern Europe, where “Jewish life and Jewish feelings vibrate more strongly,” in search of 19th century Jewish iconographic inspiration. The artist himself was no product of shtetl life and yet felt a deep admiration for the beauty he found in the pious subjects he primarily portrayed in his works. His works are characterized by “an exhaustive attention to detail and an acute sense of the psychological authenticity of his models...His brushwork is so precise that it is visible often only under magnification.” (J. Weinstein, A Collectors’ Guide to Judaica (1985) p.178). Additionally, Kaufmann’s paintings resonate significant historical value as a documentation of bygone Jewish life. He is a keen observer, capturing subtle human emotions and nuances so evident in his portraits. He was drawn to the human, emotional part of shtetl life while capturing both the intensity of feeling and devotion in his art. In Kaufmann’s own words: “Since it was my conviction that the strength of every artist is rooted in his own people- I became the painter of Judaism. I have always pursued the vision of glorifying and exalting Judaism. I strove to reveal its beauty and its nobility and tried to make the traditions and institutions that speak of such great religious devotion and reverence, accessible for Gentiles as well.” (Mult ‘es Jovo, Vol. 7, (1917) p. 295). Isidor Kaufmann is the Rembrandt of the soul of the Eastern European Jew. See Katalog Judischen Museum der Stadt Wein, G.T. Natter (ed.) Isidor Kaufmann (1995). With grateful thanks to Hofrat Dr. Hubert Adolph, Vienna, for his connoisseurship and expertise ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Provenance: 1. A Friend of the Kaufmann Family 2. Sold, Christie’s New York, Judaica, 25th June 1985, lot 179 The present image portrays a white-haired Hasidic Jew dressed in bespoke streimel and kaftan. The ancient wisdom of the rabbi is captured through his clear, observant eyes which at once are engaging and yet simultaneously distant - an underlying distraction is inherent in his presence. The pensive nature of the subject makes this a most striking piece of work. The dignity of the sitter is conveyed through subtle nuances such as the angle used, which is slightly tilted upward. The model himself was often utilized by Kaufmann throughout his works. The unfinished aspects of the hat, beard and curtain all add toward the extraordinary contrast of the rabbi’s piercing eyes. The precise brushstrokes and heavy attention to detail are reminiscent of a Velazquez or Vermeer