Bidspirit auction | Rabbinical portrait, possibly the MaHaRaSH

Rabbinical portrait, possibly the MaHaRaSH of Lubavitch by Alexander Rizzoni. - Provenance. This striking rabbinical portrait was in the possession of an assimilated Jewish family in Chicago, whose ancestors, Lubavitcher Chassidim immigrated to the United States in the early 20th Century. It was verified by Sothebys as painted by Alexander Rizzoni and sold at auction by Sothebys in 1995. Following the auction, Chasidic researchers, identified the subject as R. Shmuel Schneerson (The Rebbe MaHaRaSH), although this has not been proven with a certainty. R. Shmuel Schneerson known as The Rebbe MaHaRaSH (1834 –1882) was a son of R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson (Tzemach Tzedeck) whom he later succeeded as Lubavitcher Rebbe. He was one of the most influential leaders of his generation, dedicating his life to the needs of the Jewish people despite his precarious health. The artist brilliantly depicts the large mesmerizing blue eyes for which the Rebbe was famous. Alexander Antonowich Rizzoni (1836-1902) was a famous Russian artist who studied at Academy of Arts in St Petersburg. He was one the most well-known Russian artists of his era, famous for his magnificent paintings. Oil on canvas. 17.6 by 14 inches. Signed indistinctly. Relined, some cracks along the side not affecting features. Antique style frame.