Isidor Kaufmann

Fritz Katz, New York (acording to an old label on the reverse)
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, December 19, 2007, lot 223

New York, The Jewish Museum, between 1940s-60s

The panel has been cradled. The picture surface is in generally good condition aside from a very minor bump to the panel in the lower left corner. Under UV, there is some very minor inpainting to address abrasion along the far edges of the lower right and lower edges. There is also some active pink pigment that fluoresces, found in the sitter's lip and the bottom of her bonnet over the left ear.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Kaufmann's portraits and scenes of East European Jewry are infused with sensitivity and admiration. These portrayals of daily life are rendered with acutely focused realism that in Kaufmann's hands is spiritually uplifting. It is perhaps this aspect of his work that distinguishes him more than any other.

Women are infrequent subjects in Kaufmann's religious Jewish paintings. In this exquisite portrait, the young woman gazes directly at the viewer. She is adorned in traditional Ashkenazi attire worn by her contemporaries, including an elaborate sterntichel, the headdress of pearls and precious stones and a brusttuch, or bodice covering. This panel became more ornamental over time, as in this exquisite costume.

The fur trimmed shawl, delicate earrings and pearl necklace appear in other portraits of women, including Portrait of a Woman in Festive Dress and Hannah indicating that these were not their own, but supplied by Kaufmann.