Sacred Splendor: A Striking Portrait of Reb Shayele of Kerestir - Oil on Linen, After the Original

Sacred Splendor: A Striking Portrait of Reb Shayele of Kerestir - Oil on Linen, After the Original

We are proud to offer this single-lot sale, featuring a beautiful and striking hyper-realistic portrait of the famed Tzaddik, Reb Shayale of Bodrogkeresztúr (Kerestir). As per the wishes of the consignor, a portion of the proceeds from this sale will directly benefit families of Talmidei Chachamim Muvhakim living in Eretz Yisroel.

Portraits of Tzadikim -- The Spiritual Significance 

The concept of seeing דיוקנן של צדיקים - the image of the righteous, holds profound significance in Jewish thought, particularly in the context of moral and spiritual resilience. The Gemara (Sotah 36b) recounts the story of Yosef HaTzaddik, who, when tempted by Potiphar’s wife, saw “דמות דיוקנו של אביו” (the image of his father, Yaakov) in a window, which spoke to him, warning that succumbing to sin would erase his name from the legacy of his brothers, inscribed on the stones of the Kohen Gadol. This vision empowered Yosef to resist temptation, illustrating the power of connecting to the righteous as a source of moral strength.

The image of a tzaddik, whether literal or figurative, serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding one of their values and heritage. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayeshev 9) further emphasizes that this vision was a divine intervention, suggesting that contemplating the righteous can invoke divine assistance to overcome challenges. This underscores the importance of internalizing the image of tzaddikim to inspire ethical conduct and spiritual fortitude.

Moreover, the practice of visualizing or connecting to tzaddikim extends beyond Yosef’s story, serving as a broader tool for spiritual elevation and teshuva (repentance). The Sefas Emes (Shelach 1895) explains that the “image of the righteous” represents a mantle of holiness that one can draw upon to resist negative inclinations. By picturing a tzaddik, such as one’s parent or a revered figure, an individual taps into a legacy of kedusha (holiness) that fosters resilience against the yetzer hara (evil inclination). The Likutei Moharan (Torah 150) adds that this act of visualization is a mystical process, connecting one to the divine attributes embodied by the tzaddik, even if the tzaddik is unaware of it. This connection can awaken an inner resolve, as seen in Yosef’s case, where the image of his father—whether a reflection, a vision, or a mental construct—aligned him with his spiritual roots. Thus, seeing or contemplating the דיוקנן של צדיקים is a transformative practice, guiding individuals toward righteousness by linking them to a chain of sacred tradition and divine purpose.

Reb Shayale's Holy Countenance -- A Segulah for Protection and Salvation 

The portrait of Reb Shayale of Kerestir (1851–1925), carries profound spiritual significance, rooted in both historical reverence and mystical tradition. Known as a tzaddik and miracle worker in Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary, Reb Shayale’s image is venerated as a segulah, believed to offer protection and blessings. It is often displayed in homes and businesses, and is particularly associated with warding off mice, a tradition stemming from a story where he instructed a chassid to direct mice to a harsh pastor’s estate, miraculously resolving a pest issue.

For further reading, see: Reb Shayele: The Warmth and Wonder of Kerestir, Feldheim Publishers, 2017. 

The Present Portrait 

The present portrait, which is now being offered on auction for the first time, is perhaps the most striking and accurate depiction known of Reb Shayale. His angelic features, aglow with fear of heaven and pure humility, are clearly visible upon a quick gaze of his holy face. 

The whereabouts of Reb Shayale's original portrait are unknown. We surmise that the original was likely shielded from public view during his lifetime due to his opposition to photographs and the like (as per his descendants testimony). However, after his death in 1925, a leaflet featuring his photo and personal signature was circulated throughout Hungary, both in Hebrew and in Hungarian. Seemingly, it was based on that portrait that this current portrait was made after.  

We should note that, over the last several years, various paintings of Reb Shayele have surfaced at auction; some contemporaneous and others less so. Nonetheless, they represented a poor depiction - at best, of Reb Shayele. This one, on the other hand, is special since it depicts his likeness in a very accurate and precise way, which is a rare phenomenon amongst existing portraits of Reb Shayele.  

In good-very good condition, adorned in a wooden and gilt frame, as seen in the photos above. The painting is unsigned. 

Portrait size: 16x20 inches (approx. 40x50cm)