Emile Lévy

Private Collector, Nice
Purchased from the above by the father of the present owner in 1971

This work is in good condition with a clean surface and rich tones aside from some loss of surface texture due to cleaning and a few small aeras of hairline craquelure, only visible under raking light. Under UV, there are areas of retouching visible, notably to areas of darker pigment, and to the white headpiece of the standing woman and the scarf of the standing man at centre. Held in a simple, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood tabernacle frame with organic motifs at the upper right and left corners.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This monumental composition, painted by the nineteenth century French Jewish artist, Emile Levy, is an exceptional example of the technical virtuosity used to explore Jewish subject matter.  Biblical scenes had long been central to western painting tradition, but the present lot comes from a school of Judaica genre painting born in the mid 1800's which sought to extol the spiritual values of the faith. Fellow French nationals Edouard Moyse and Edouard Brandon, Moritz Daniel Oppenheim in Germany, and Solomon Alexander Hart in England can be considered the first generation of Judaica artists to illuminate the nobility of the Jewish heritage through their works.

In The Feast of the Tabernacles, Levy reflects on the rich traditions of Judaism. The finely rendered scene depicts the family patriarch reciting a Sukkot blessing . He stands in the center of a dramatically lit scene, surrounded by his family. He holds a raised wine glass and foliage which is meant to represent the Bible's four species. An etrog is placed on the table covered with a white cloth. On the right, a young child holds an open prayer book, while another, on the left, poignantly clutches his cloak in a display of tenderness and warmth. Each figure appears to be immersed in the sanctity of the holiday.

Emile Levy was born in Paris and studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts there.  His Jewish background influenced him in choosing Jewish subjects, such as his painting, Ruth and Naomi, and the present lot.