A Jewish Synagogue, by S. A. Hart, RA (1806-1881)

A Jewish Synagogue

Solomon Alexander Hart, RA (1806-1881)

Oil on canvas

32 x 25 1/2 inches

1829-30 (exhibited 1830)

Source: The Art-Journal, facing p. 135.

According to the Tate Gallery, this work depicts the "Interior of a Polish Synagogue at the Moment when the Manuscript of the Law is Elevated." Commentary continues below.

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According to Helen Valentine, this painting was Hart's "first real success" and remains one of his best works: "it successfully combines the details of the interior of an Amsterdam synagogue with numerous figures." The Art-Journal commentator is less knowledgeable about the scene depicted, and is unable to be specific about the country involved (which again is quite understandable), but responds well to the artist's skill:

The rites and ceremonies practised by the Hebrews in their religious observances, find a faithful and able illustrator in the pencil of Mr. Hart; he is, we believe, one of that ancient people, whose history, through all ages of the world, is of surpassing interest, and who to this day stand forth a separate and distinct generation from all others, in whatever part of the civilised earth their habitation is fixed.

It is evident the synagogue here represented is not English, at least the figures introduced into it by the painter are not so; we should rather think it had been sketched in Spain or Portugal, from the costumes worn by the majority of the congregation. The exact locality is, however, of little importance, the artist’s object being to make an attractive picture from any materials within his reach, so far as he could do it without a sacrifice of truth. To effect this, he has habited his figures richly, and placed them in picturesque groups, skilfully balanced, the High Priest and his attendants occupying a prominent position in the centre, and being forcibly lighted up in a manner not unworthy of Rembrandt. The work was painted in 1830; its tone has lost a little of its early brilliancy, but has gained in richness and in harmony of colour. [186]

Bibliography

"Interior of a Polish Synagogue at the Moment when the Manuscript of the Law is Elevated." Tate. Web. 10 September 2018.

Valentine, Helen. "Hart, Solomon Alexander (1806–1881), historical genre painter." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Online ed. Web. 10 September 2018.

“The Vernon Gallery: A Jewish Synagogue.” Art Journal (1851): 186. Hathi Trust Digital Library version of a copy in the University of Michigan Library. Web. 28 July 2013. (A Getty Research Institute copy of this volume was also found on the web, in the Internet Archive. 11 September 2018.)

Last modified 11 September 2018