Art by R. Yitzchak Besancon

Shiduch by R. Besancon

I am totally in love with the joyful paintings by Rabbi Yitzchak Besancon. See this link for examples of his inspiring body of work in the area of Jewish ritual and life-cycles. This image, titled 'Shiduch', depicts the moment when a young Jewish religious couple have been introduced through the age-old "matchmaking" tradition still common amongst orthodox Jewish people. There is something magical about this painting with the flowers framing the young woman, who is looking with such adoration towards her besherit (intended) man. Notice the woman peeking behind the curtain to ensure all is well and that the young couple are not getting into any unforeseen trouble. 

I think what I love most about this artist's work is how sensitively Besancon treats everyday human drama in each of his paintings. In 'Licking the Honey' below, you can taste the anticipation of a sweet new year. 

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Tel Aviv Wedding by R. Besancon

Licking the Honey by R. Besancon

Uman Simcha by R. Besancon

To Azazel Yom Kippur by R. Besancon

To Azazel Yom Kippur by R. Besancon intrigues me, especially at this time of the year as we approach Yom Kippur. I always feel sorry for the goat (in the upper left corner) that has to carry all of our sins into the wilderness, where it will face it's creator. What a dramatic painting, with no colour except for the yellow flame. 

Flowers for Shabbos by R. Besancon

Biography

Besancon was born in 1944 in Nice, France. At 16, he became inspired to paint and express himself through the art genre of Marc Chagall. Moving to Paris at age 20, he exhibited in various venues, opened a gallery, and underwent more formal training. He expanded his clientele to Belgium, and in 1970 he was taken under the wings of a Californian patron. His later works include illuminated manuscripts, including Megillot and excerpts from Liturgy and the book of Psalms.  In the ‘80’s, he completed a unique project whose development spanned 12 years - a wonderful Passover Hagaddah, now in private hands, which was also re-produced in a limited edition that completely sold out and can be found in private collections all over the world. His artistic expression led him on a spiritual quest, which has had a deep influence on his art. Besancon has followed on and learned from the generation of artists of the Ecole de Paris. He is one of a handful of contemporary artists who have continued in the tradition of Marc Chagall. His art stands out as being significant, in that all elements of his paintings has a highly symbolic expression of a deeply rooted spiritual belief.

​Chagall’s innovative breakthrough in style has triggered Israel Isaac’s own expression through an art form unique to him. He is a prolific artist. Every one of his works is replete with the content and message of the mature beliefs, knowledge and insights he has spent a lifetime understanding and formulating. 
 He is also the author of dozens of books in French, Hebrew, Spanish, Russian, English and Ukrainian. He is the Spiritual Mentor of  a  Jewish revival movement, Shir Chadash, based in Tel Aviv.