[thelintonwyrm]

Hi

I am looking to identify the Artist's name and Painting name of this Rabbi with a shtreimel (fur rimmed cap)

Is is in oil, was framed in the 70's in Winnipeg, MB. Canada.

Was told a tale that the Painter was Polish in origin, and went blind, this being his last painting.

Photos we taken in hi-res.

If anyone knows the Rabbi's name in the painting, the Painter, or the Painting's Name that would be wonderful.

Thanks

[fmtaskart]

Hi... ONLY AN OPINION: I read the signature as- L-E-S-K-I , written in an old script. I couldn't find a good
Signature to compare but two possibilities (there may be others) are:

If less than 60 years or so old , then Soloman Leski. See another rabbi with signature in the upper right
Corner (unfortunately truncated) at the link:
http://www.artnet.com/artist/423887747/soloman-leski.html

If closer to 150 years or so old, then Joseph Leski may be more likely. See a portrait with a poor signature at the link:
http://www.artnet.com/artist/699911/joseph-leski.html

It would help to know the size of the painting... an image of the verso to show the construction of the stretcher,
Staples or nails fastening the canvas, or is it a board,. any markings... The frame shows repair rather than reframing suggesting the joints dried out significantly and gaps were filled... may be significantly older than one new in the 70s... Are the worm holes real or painted?

[fmtaskart]

A complete reading of the signature is " Leski,s." So no need to check Joseph.