Johan Leksell, Portrait Of A Rabbi

Johan Leksell, Portrait Of A Rabbi

An unusual early 20th-century portrait of a bearded rabbi by Swedish artist, Johan Larentius Carolinus Leksell (1874-1932).

Leksell was born in Amsberg, Kopparberg County, and could turn his hand to a range of artistic endeavours. He was primarily known as one of Sweden’s most foremost silhouette portraitists, but he could also paint as well as sculpt.

Upon graduating University, Leksell financed a round trip to the United States by cutting silhouette photos for willing patrons. He then continued on to Russia where he created a silhouette of Rasputin that brought him much acclaim.

The portrait is signed on the right and housed within a frame that could be its original.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19” x 26” / 48cm x 66cm
Year of creation: c. 1920
Provenance: Sweden
Condition: Very presentable. A few light scratches.

Conservation & History

We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

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