Rabbi Schneur Zalman 1745-1812 Alter Rebbe Painting

I am a Torah student and I was introduced to the study of Tanya. I learned about Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the alter Rebbe which means 'first Rabbi'. Here is his story: Chassidic Rabbi, Halachic Authority and founder of the Chabad Movement. He was among the principal students of the Magid of Metzeritch. His numerous works include the Tanya, an early classic containing the fundamentals of Chabad Chassidism and Shulcan Aruch Ha Rav, an expanded reworked code of Jewish Law. I was commissioned by Rabbi Yehudah Ferris of Berkeley Chabad to paint the Alter Rebbe's portrait. It replaces a print of the same individual. It is currently on exhibit in the main room of Chabad Berkeley, California. I had asked for comments from the rabbi's during the months when I was painting this portrait. Viewers often notice things that the artist might overlook, especially in a work like this it is important that everything is done right. I photographed the original print which was taken from a painting done in the 1800's before photography. I started the work, taking the painting to a certain point in my art studio, and continued painting as it hung in place on the gorgeous red wall behind the chandelier in the room which serves both as dining on Shabbat and festivals, and the Shul for the Minyon. An Ark is nearby which encases the Torah scroll. I chose the traditional oil medium and technique using Gamblin colors and mediums. I chose a scale of ultramarine blue, cadmium orange and white, creating the black traditional outfit from the blue and orange mixture. No black paint was used.

Painting:Oil on Canvas

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:36 W x 40 H x 1.2 D in

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