Bidspirit auction | 19th-Century Portrait of Rabbi Shmuel

19th-Century Portrait of Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld (Chasan Sofer). - A rare and intimate portrait of Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld, known as the Chasan Sofer, depicted in his youth. Executed with a warm, earthy palette, the painting captures both the tender innocence and profound introspection of the young scholar. Rendered in a traditional black coat and head covering, his visage is illuminated by subtle golden highlights against a deep brown backdrop. Housed in an original antique wooden frame and signed on the front right, this work combines historical authenticity with exceptional artistry, making it a distinguished collectible of Judaica. Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld: Known as the Chasan Sofer, after his sefer; (1835– 1883) was a rabbi and Torah scholar, one of the leading rabbis of Hungary. He was the grandson of the Chatam Sofer. He was born in Pressburg (today Bratislava, Slovakia). His father, Rabbi David Zvi Ehrenfeld, was the first son-in-law of the Chatam Sofer. He studied under his father and also at the Pressburg Yeshiva with his uncle, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, author of K'tav Sofer. Initially, he engaged in commerce, but he did not find success in it. In 1866, he was appointed rabbi of the town of Beclan in Transylvania. In 1868, he moved to serve as rabbi in Sikso, which had a large yeshiva, where he delivered Torah lectures. In 1877, he was appointed rabbi of Mattersdorf. He dedicated all his time to leading the community and strengthening the yeshiva there. In his yeshiva, he taught Torah in his unique style, emphasizing clear understanding of the Talmud and the practical application of its halakhot. He passed away in 1883 at the age of 48. Painting: 23 x 18 cm. With Frame 30 x 25 cm.