Isidor Kaufmann 1853-1921

Acquired by the present owner in 1962

The panel and the paint surface are in good condition, except for a small round knot in the wood at lower right, next to the edge of the Torah. The panel is slightly uneven in that area but not too distracting. Otherwise, the paint surface is in good condition, with clean varnish. Very fine, vertical craquelure visible across beard and hat. Under UV light: a round area of inpainting over the abovementioned knot; a few tiny, vertical touches of inpainting on the right side of the sitter's face (forehead, side of the nose and beard).
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.

This exquisitely rendered portrait by Kaufmann captures the essence of a rabbi devoted to his faith.  Pensive and solemn, the model, garbed in a conventional black silk caftan and Wolkenbruchspodek (fur hat) stands before an ornate Torah curtain, likely purchased by the artist during his many journeys to Eastern Europe. The subject's red beard and tooled covered prayer book blend with the golden hues of the work's background, creating a superbly harmonious composition. The frontal view, used most frequently by Kaufmann, places the observer's perspective slightly below the figure's composed gaze, thus enhancing the sitter's contemplative and dignified air.

Kaufmann, born in the trade center of the Austro Hungarian monarchy, Arad, moved to Vienna in 1875 to facilitate his artistic studies. In time, he became recognized as a portraitist and genre painter of great repute.  In 1894, the artist embarked on the first of many trips to Eastern European shtetls to record their culture of  traditional Jews, "where Jewish life and Jewish feelings vibrate more strongly"  (G. Tobias Natter, Isidor Kaufmann, p. 27). As Richard Cohen observes, Isidor Kaufmann was "involved in uncovering the inner spirit of the Eastern European Jews on their daily life and pursuits.  While evoking both intensity of feeling and devotion, Kaufmann's paintings also show a perceptive appreciation of the human side to ghetto life, portrayed with concern for detail and emotion. Kaufmann addressed themes of everyday life, redolent with compassion and devotion" (Jewish Icons, University of California Press, 1998, p. 173)