Bidspirit auction | Uri Stettner

Uri Stettner - Nahum's Moment. 42 × 33 cm An original drawing on paper by the Israeli artist Uri Stettner, portraying Nahum Cohen—urban planner, architect, author, and a man of remarkable intellectual vitality. Nahum Cohen was a distinguished city engineer and architect who authored approximately twenty books, several of which were translated into Chinese. Even as he approached the age of ninety, he continued to paint in his spare time, remaining energetic, curious, and deeply engaged with the creative and intellectual pursuits that had defined his life. I came to know Nahum through mutual friends and received this drawing directly from him, adding a deeply personal dimension to the work's story and provenance. The portrait was drawn by Stettner in Tel Aviv, capturing his friend with warmth, sensitivity, and an understated elegance. The seated male figure is depicted in a relaxed and intimate pose. Simply dressed and wearing a hat, Nahum appears entirely at ease, embodying a quiet dignity shaped by a lifetime of experience and reflection. The work is characterized by a refined and sensitive line. Executed with confidence and economy, Stettner employs minimal shading to create a convincing sense of volume and depth while preserving the immediacy and spontaneity of the drawing. The figure's posture—legs crossed and hands gently resting—conveys calmness, introspection, and perhaps a brief pause within the rhythm of everyday life. The understated and only lightly suggested background allows the sitter to remain the unquestioned focal point of the composition. This simplicity enhances the intimate atmosphere of the portrait, directing attention toward gesture, expression, and presence rather than external detail. There is an authentic sketch-like quality to the drawing that offers viewers a glimpse into the artist's creative process. Rather than striving for formal grandeur, Stettner captures something far more elusive: the essence of an individual. Through a few assured lines, he reveals not only Nahum's appearance, but also something of his character—his composure, intelligence, and enduring vitality. The title, A Moment of Nahum, feels especially fitting. This is more than a portrait; it is a fleeting encounter preserved on paper—a quiet tribute to friendship, memory, and a man who continued to create, think, and inspire well into his later years. Artist: Uri Stettner Title: A Moment of Nahum Technique: Drawing on paper Dimensions: 42 × 33 cm Framing: Includes frame (as shown) Condition: Very good Provenance: Received directly from Nahum Cohen, who sat for the portrait and was a friend of the artist. A deeply personal and evocative work that celebrates both the sensitivity of Uri Stettner's hand and the remarkable presence of its sitter, preserving a moment of humanity with grace, honesty, and affection.