Pirkei Avoth, Be’er Yehuda [”Forty-Eight Characteristics.”]

KLEINMAN, ZALMAN.

Russian-American, (1933-95)

Acrylic on thin card. Unsigned. Framed.

Based on the verse from Ethics of our Fathers: “Torah is greater than the priesthood or sovereignty, for sovereignty is acquired with thirty virtues, the priesthood with twenty-four, and Torah is acquired with forty-eight qualities.” (Avoth 6:6). Artwork depicts a bookshelf laden with volumes bearing the ‘titles’ of positive character traits, such as: slowness to anger, good heartedness and love of humanity. This image was commissioned for use for the front cover of the children’s school text-book, utilized by thousands: Pirkei Avoth, Be’er Yehuda (included in the lot). Accompanied by documentation authenticating the artwork to have been executed by Kleinman.