Isidor Kaufmann

The sensitive Portrait of a Rabbi and Pupil reflects the respect and admiration that Kaufmann felt for Jewish life and religious figures. In the present work, an elderly and dignified Rabbi and young pupil stand before the Torah curtain of the Holy Arc, or Aron Hakodesh, where the sacred script is kept. The beige and crimson velvet curtain, inscribed with grey Hebrew letters, envelopes the two figures in a holy atmosphere.

Kaufmann was intrigued by revered and learned older men, as well as the young and innocent yeshiva boys, during his visits to eastern European villages each summer in the early 1900s. The artist's striking portraits of these rabbinical sages are enhanced through Kaufmann's trademark use of ornamental background detail and a sumptuous palette.

Both the solemn Rabbi and his pupil gaze downwards profoundly. Kaufmann skillfully paints the details of the soft wrinkled skin and long dark beard of the Rabbi, making each hair visible through layers of fine brush strokes. In contrast, Kaufmann emphasizes the plump red lips and luminous skin of the young boy. The fur hats in this portrait, like those in many of Kaufmann's Talmudic portraits, stand out with rich brown and mauve highlights.

Set against the crimson-orange drape is a yellow-golden crown made of three semi-circles atop several lines of thick grey Hebrew letters. These holy letters, directly below this crown from right to left are, Kaf which stands for Keter, or crown, and Taf, which stands for Torah. As the two figures have their backs to the Aron Hakodesh, it is clear they have just put away the Torah and are walking away from the Holy armoire.

The luster of the painting is enhanced by the intricate and richly decorated Talis draped over the Rabbi's shoulders. The highly detailed gold-threaded embroidery shines as it contrasts with the cream white cloth into which it is woven. This luxuriously ornate garb symbolizes a high Holy day of great importance.

Kaufmann, more than any other artist of his generation, captured the essence and atmosphere of the Sabbath and the venerated Rabbis who performed rituals. This portrait is similar to paintings by Kaufmann, which were said to have been "best suited to his brilliant, subtle style" (G. Tobias Natter, Isidor Kaufmann 1853-1921, Vienna, 1995, p.29 ).