Ornate Bronze Frame with Bezalel-Style Portrait Medallion of Rabbi Lazar Krestin, Early 20th Century. An elaborate metal picture frame housing a round medallion portrait identified on the image as "Lozar Krestin," depicting an elderly rabbi in traditional Hasidic attire with a black kippah and a thick white beard. The original portrait is oil on paper, cut in the shape of a round medallion and mounted within the frame, and bears a difficult-to-decipher signature. The painted portrait measures approximately 7.5 cm diameter and is executed in a restrained yet expressive style typical of early Bezalel portraiture.
The ornate frame is heavily embellished in relief with sculpted vines, scrolling foliage, and leaf clusters gathered at the base. The scalloped outer border is filled with textured and patterned geometric shapes filled with floral motifs. The reverse is fitted with a hinged easel support and retains an affixed Kedem Auctions label along with a handwritten sale reference. The frame displays surface wear, patination, and oxidation consistent with age. The portrait seems to be in good condition with some potential scattered loss.
Ex. Kedem Auctions, Online Sale 58, Lot 147 (portrait only).
Estimated Value $400 - 600
Judaica
