RSA Scottish Art
Rabbi Jeremy Rosen
 | Artist: David Donaldson |
| Title: Rabbi Jeremy Rosen | |
| Year: c. 1973 | |
| Medium: oil on canvas | |
| Dimensions: | |
| Suggested topic: | |
| Source: RSA Diploma Collection | |
| View full screen image of this work | |
| Open print version of this work | |
| Description: David Donaldson was appointed Painter and Limner to Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland in 1977. He is best known for his portraits, although he also painted landscapes and figurative subjects. Rabbi Jeremy Rosen follows in the tradition of a typical portrait format; a three-quarter length seated figure shown against a plain background. Unusually here, the background is a rich reddish brown instead of the more expected darker, cooler, receding colours. Another unusual feature is the placing of the sitter in profile: this prevents eye contact between him, the artist and the viewer. Some dramatic angles have been emphasised in this portrait, such as the elbow pointing outwards to the left, and the sitter's angular chin. Although seated, the figure is full of restless energy and movement, vibrantly expressed with vigorous brushwork. The powerful contrast of the Rabbi's black suit against the flat but brightly-coloured background dominates the image, and both have been simplified as bold blocks of colour so that the eye is still drawn to the sitter's face. The brush work on the face is energetic, and moves in many directions. Donaldson has created some very expressive contours in this portrait. Can you think of a person with a strong personality you would like to make a portrait of - and who you could paint or draw in an expressive, powerful way?This portrait suggests many things about the sitter. He seems physically powerful, with a muscular build and large limbs that seem to dwarf the chair he is sitting on. He has heavy, well-defined facial features, but appears thoughtful and motivated. This man seems big and powerful, but also perhaps a thinker. From the title we know that he is a religious man, a rabbi of the Jewish faith. Does this image tie up with the idea we may have of a religious man? The potent colours, dynamic shapes and determined expression present a man of faith with great power and youthful vigour. | |
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