Page 323 - The Legacy of Abraham Rothstein - text

Genre: shtetl

25 Old man *
Wood
18.5” x 4”

This old Jew with a broad beard may represent or resemble one
of AR’s teachers (see narrative). As theorized in the
introduction to these works, the generic rather than specific
designation of many pieces, is made absent knowledge of the
sculptor’s intentions; that conservative categorization may
nevertheless be qualified by reference to individuals who made
a strong impression on him.

Wearing Eastern dress (a belted caftan and a Persian-style cap),
the figure is bent forward, suggesting bipedal locomotion; the
corner of his robe is folded back, AR’s conventional indicator
of an outdoor location; his hands are clasped in back, his eyes
stare straight ahead, and his brow is deeply wrinkled. He is,
therefore, a traditional non-Westernized Jew on his way to or
from a situation of great intellectual effort like explaining or
arguing about the Talmud. His progress is slow, the thoughts
in his head distracting him totally from the bitter wind
whipping at his garments. The elements and the man’s age
threaten to push him back, but his force of will and intellect
enable him to advance, leading with his head.

30 Old man
Wood
8.5” x 7.25”

This low-relief on an unbordered rectangular plaque portrays
another character from AR’s shtetl memories: the peddler. With
one hand the old Jew grasps a bag slung over his shoulder; it
must carry his wares, meager but portable. In his other hand,
he holds a staff, assisting him in his painfully slow progress
from town to town. His beard is full and wide, he wears a
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