Bidspirit auction | Rare Set of 18 Hand-Painted

Rare Set of 18 Hand-Painted Portraits of Rabbanim – Late 19th Century - An exceptional and rare set of eighteen hand-painted portraits of renowned Gedolei Yisrael, whose works and teachings are revered to this day, created circa the 1890s. The artist remains unknown, though each painting is discreetly signed on the upper right side. Each portrait vividly depicts the holy rabbi with unique facial features, distinguished long beards, turbans, or hats, rendered with remarkable accuracy in the authentic clothing of his period. Several figures are shown seated at a desk with sacred books and quills, emphasizing their roles as Torah scholars and authors. The paintings are presented in their original antique carved wooden gilt frames, with Bakelite backs housing the portraits. Each portrait is set within a slightly convex oval glass window, typical of late 19th-century photography, and adorned with a delicate brass scrollwork border. Surrounding the portraits, the Bakelite is further decorated with ornamental foliate swags, rosettes, and Rococo-inspired designs, completing the refined presentation of these historic works. 34 x 43cm