Bidspirit auction | Issachar Ber Ryback

Issachar Ber Ryback - Fruit basket and lace tablecloth. 15 × 10.5 cm Drawing on paper, framed under glass. Offered at an exceptional price, this work comes from the estate of Sonia Ryback, the artist's wife, who lived in Bat Yam. In my view, Issachar Ber Ryback was undoubtedly one of the greatest Jewish painters of his time—perhaps even among the ten most important Jewish artists of the modern era. Seeing his works in museums across Germany and Europe made me truly appreciate the scale of his talent and artistic achievement. I would like to note that seven Ryback works were sold even before this auction, to visitors who had originally come to collect works by Yehiel Krize and discovered Ryback's art in the process. Ordinarily, I would hesitate to recommend purchasing a work by Ryback, as there are many forgeries on the market, and even during the 1930s his works were already being imitated. However, in this case, I was personally involved in the acquisition of the collection. I know its provenance and can attest that it came directly from Sonia Ryback, the artist's wife. I am familiar with the entire history of this remarkable group of works—a story that, in itself, is extraordinary. Anyone who makes it this far and would like to hear the full story is welcome to remind me during the auction. The original collection consisted of approximately two hundred works on paper. Most were eventually sold in Europe, with a substantial number finding their way to Paris through a gallery known to the buyer. Today, only around thirty Ryback works remain. Issachar Ber Ryback (1897–1935) is regarded as one of the most important Jewish artists of the early twentieth century. Born in Ukraine and a prominent member of the Jewish avant-garde, he brought together Jewish and Eastern European traditions with the modernist influences of his era. His works are held in major collections around the world, and he is considered a central figure in the development of modern Jewish art. In this refined and sensitive drawing, Ryback turns his attention to a seemingly simple, everyday subject: a basket of fruit resting on a table covered with a checked cloth. Beside the abundant fruit appears an ornate lace detail descending from the upper part of the composition, lending the work a warm, intimate, and domestic atmosphere. The precise and delicate draftsmanship combines direct observation with a rich decorative quality that characterizes many of the artist's works on paper. The gentle lines and rhythmic pattern of the lace create an intriguing contrast with the simplicity of the fruit and basket. The result is a quiet and contemplative composition that evokes memory, home, and tradition. Despite its modest scale, the drawing reveals the artist's remarkable ability to infuse ordinary objects with poetry and meaning. A carefully executed and deeply sensitive work, it beautifully demonstrates Ryback's exceptional talent as a draftsman and his affection for the world of household objects, textiles, and Jewish domestic life, uniting tradition with a sophisticated modern artistic language. Technique: Drawing on paper Framing: Framed under glass Artist: Issachar Ber Ryback (1897–1935)