William Weintraub - Portrait of a Jewish Elder, oil on board. Oil painting depicting a contemplative Jewish male figure shown in profile, rendered in a restrained, somber palette with expressive brushwork. The subject is portrayed with a full beard and fur-collared garment, his downcast gaze and weathered features conveying age, dignity, and introspection. The composition emphasizes psychological depth over setting, with the figure emerging from a dark, muted background.
The painting is signed "W. Weintraub" at lower left. The signature style corresponds with known signed works by William Weintraub, whose paintings frequently focused on Jewish life, character studies, and ethnographic subjects. Weintraub's work is recognized for its strong emotional tone and emphasis on human presence rather than decorative detail.
Executed on board and housed in a simple frame. The reverse bears period gallery labels associated with Israeli art exhibitions, consistent with mid-20th-century circulation of Jewish figurative works. Surface wear, edge losses to the board, and backing abrasions are present, consistent with age and handling.
A compelling example of mid-century Jewish figurative painting, combining expressive realism with cultural documentation.
Estimated Value $200 - 300
Judaica
