Pendant pair of miniature portrait paintings of Rabbis

This pendant pair of miniature oil on panel paintings, each one contained within an ornate carved giltwood frame, portrays two rabbis. In one painting, the rabbi is shown in three-quarter view, while in the other the rabbi is depicted from the front. The bust-length portraits of the rabbis evince great introspection, as each elderly man, with eyes lowered, is consumed in contemplation. The lighting effects—dim, raking light accenting facial features against a dark background—recall Rembrandt’s characteristic tenebrism. The works are highly accomplished, executed in a satisfying, painterly manner.

Frame: Height 24cm, width 21cm, depth 5cm
Panel: Height 14cm, width 11cm