Half-length portrait in canonical dress

HERTZ, JOSEPH HERMAN.

Black chalk on paper heightened with white. Signed M. Krever lower right. Expert restoration. Not examined out of frame

Joseph H. Hertz (1872-1946), was elected Chief Rabbi of the British Empire in 1913, occupying the position until his death. He brought courage and energy to the duties of his office ”...(His) appearances on the public platform were usually exceptionally impressive.” Cecil Roth in EJ, VIII cols.397-8. Although it has not been possible to determine any information concerning the present artist, he clearly was an exceptional draughtsman, for this is a most accomplished portrait. Apparently, it has never been reproduced