Patrick Bade
Isidor Kaufmann: Portraitist of Orthodox Jews
Summary
Born in 1853 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Isidor Kaufmann (1853–1921) is noted for his distinctive approach to portraying Jewish traditions. The lecture explores Kaufman’s early years, his enrollment at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, and his perseverance in studying art despite initial rejection. Kaufman’s life, influences, artistic career, and his excellence in portraying Orthodox Jews, especially Hasidic Jews, are also highlighted.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
They certainly weren’t orthodox, but they may have been observant.
They’re so individualized. We know that they’re real people. Sometimes it will say, “This is the rabbi from such and such a place.” But by and large we don’t have any names for the models of his pictures.
He probably did think he was recording the dying tradition. I’m sure that was part of his motivation. He may have been trying to get back to his roots and wanted to preserve memory. Of course he couldn’t know what was going to happen and that they were going to be largely exterminated.