Object Description
Polish oil painting of Jewish men studying by Arthur Bryks
Polish, c. 1925-30
Frame: Height 108cm, width 89.5cm, depth 5cm
Canvas: Height 93cm, width 74.5cm
Painted by the Polish artist Arthur Bryks, this work depicts five males seated around an open book. The pictorial emphasis is on their heads, the five of which transcribe a circular arrangement in the composition. The faces of the figures, wizened with age, study the open book—most likely the Torah—their countenances evincing deep contemplation. Bryks has utilised dark colours, the effect of which is to emphasise the meditative mood of the work. The painting is held, unglazed, by a giltwood frame.
The painting is signed ‘ABryks’ and is inscribed on the reverse with ‘ABryks 1925-1930’ and a note to indicate the work belonged to one Henri Suter Carrara.