Bidspirit auction | Magnificent Painting of Rabbi Yeshayale

Magnificent Painting of Rabbi Yeshayale of Kerestir 1925 * Portrait of the holy tzaddik Rabbi Yeshayale of Kerestir, painted during the final year of his life by the Hungarian artist Gaboriani Szabó Kálmán (Debrecen, 1897 – Budapest, 1955). At the bottom of the canvas, is painted the famous signature of Reb Shayeleh'h : ”הצעיר ישעיה בן מו”ר ר' משה ז”ל, אשר שמש בקדושה את הצדיק מליסקא זיע”א.” “The young Yeshaya, son of our master Rabbi Moshe, of blessed memory, who served in sanctity the tzaddik of Liska, may his merit shield us.” Oil on woven canvas, stretched over a wooden frame and set in a period wooden frame adorned with gilt and coated in gesso. Three-quarter portrait.  In the lower left corner appears the signature: Szabodosgabor; and the date: 925. Report by art expert Michael A. Landy Size: Height: 55 cm; Width: 37 cm. Condition: The painting is stable and in good condition. Minor wear with fine craquelure (fine cracks), primarily in the upper section, without affecting the depicted figure. The painting is not coated with varnish. Condition report Provenance: Moreshet, May 2023 Rabbi Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir (Kerestirer) (1851-1925) , known as “Reb Shayale of Kerestir, ” was a great Rabbi and Rebbe in the town of Bodrogkerestur (Kerestir), Hungary. He was a student of the great Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, and after Rabbi Chaim’s passing, he became a disciple of Rabbi Mordechai Leifer. At his recommendation, Reb Shayale became the leader of the town of Kerestir. He became known there as a Chassidic Rebbe and as a legendary miracle worker. Reb Shayale was the prime disciple and personal aide of the Admor Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Liska who praised his student’s holiness and spiritual greatness. The image of Reb Shayale of Kerestir was used historically as an amulet and protector from evil by thousands of Jews and non-Jews alike. His image with his signature has been accepted amongst Chassidim as a gate-way for miracles.