An evocative charcoal drawing of two elderly rabbis engrossed in a book

This fine charcoal drawing depicts two traditional Jewish scholars—identified by their skullcaps, long beards, and reverent posture—leaning over an open book in what feels like a beit midrash or synagogal study hall.

The drawing closely resembles an example illustrated in Grondman’s Sal Meijer. Zo naïef nog niet (p. 119), suggesting that it is either by or after Sal Meijer.

Born in Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter, Sal Meijer (1877-1965) trained as a diamond cutter before turning to art. Though celebrated for his cityscapes, Blaricum landscapes, and iconic cat portraits, he rarely chose explicitly Jewish subjects.

A rare opportunity to acquire a drawing of great cultural resonance, tied to the oeuvre of one of the Netherlands’ most beloved naïve realists. The intimate scene reflects early 20th‑century Judaica study culture and would greatly add to any rare book or Judaica collection.

Provenance

• Rik van Dam (1950-2018), the partner of publisher and passionate book collector Johan Polak (1928-1992).
• Galerie Nieuw Schoten, Amsterdam