Bidspirit auction | The Holy Painter – Judah

The Holy Painter – Judah Leon Patillon. “The Old Man.” Oil on Canvas. Signed - The Holy Painter – Judah Leon Patillon. Expressive Oil Painting of “The Old Man.” Signed. Impressive and highly expressive oil painting executed by the holy painter, Chacham Judah Leon Patillon, signed at lower right: “Leon.” The present work portrays the figure of “The Old Man, ” a characteristic subject appearing in many of Patillon’s paintings. His depictions of humble and contemplative figures are among the most recognizable motifs associated with his artistic legacy. 32 x 45 cm. Set within an impressive wooden frame, 50 x 61 cm. Condition: Good. Craquelure to paint surface. Judah Leon Patillon (d. Cheshvan 5735 / 1974) was renowned as one of the most mysterious and revered kabbalists of his generation — a wonder-worker, spiritual figure, and expert in matters of souls and reincarnation. His name became associated with numerous accounts of mystical perception and hidden knowledge, and he was regarded as an exceptional personality within the world of twentieth-century Kabbalah. Alongside his involvement in the hidden worlds, Rabbi Patillon earned his livelihood through painting. His works, distinguished by human sensitivity and portrayals of folk characters, earned him the popular title by which he became known: “The Holy Painter.” Rabbi Patillon belonged to a small and secretive fellowship of concealed kabbalists who operated privately. Members of the group referred to one another by sobriquets derived from their earthly trades, among them: “The Shoemaker” – Moshe Yaakov Rabikov “The Milkman” – Chaim Ezra Cohen “The Tiler” – Avraham Fish “The Street Cleaner” – Yosef Voltuch