Synagogue Art Appraisal

Painting of a Rabbi Holding a Torah Scroll

This item is a framed two-dimensional artwork, likely an oil or acrylic painting on canvas or board, depicting a bearded man, presumably a rabbi, holding a Torah scroll. The painting features a figure with a long, greying beard and a serious expression, wearing a tallit (prayer shawl) draped over his head and shoulders, with a blue kippah visible underneath. He also appears to be wearing a tefillin on his forehead. His hands are clasped around a vibrant red Torah scroll, prominently featuring a stylized Star of David (Magen David) in white on its fabric covering. The background suggests a wintery, possibly Eastern European, village scene with snow-covered houses and what appears to be an animal, possibly a goat or ram, in the upper right. The color palette is somewhat muted and earthy, with browns, greys, and creams dominating, offset by the striking red of the Torah scroll and the blue of the kippah. The brushwork appears to be loose and expressive, consistent with an early 20th-century or mid-20th-century folk art or expressionistic style, reminiscent of artists like Marc Chagall. The painting is housed within a simple, light-colored wooden frame, possibly blonde wood or a faux-grain finish, with a flat profile. No visible artist's signature or markings are discernible from the provided images. The condition appears to be good with no obvious tears, significant discoloration, or paint loss, though the frame shows some minimal wear consistent with age.