Collection search - Kaddish self-portrait by Aba Bayefsky [graphic material]

The Kaddish Self-portrait is a strongly executed compelling work showing the artist reflecting on the meaning of death. The portrait is unique in combining the Western European tradition of self-portraits with Jewish symbolism.

In Aba Bayefsky's Journal, he wrote: "It [my 1980 self-portrait] was painted in 1980 when I feared the worst after an examination of a growth on the side of my neck. It was removed shortly after the portrait was completed and found to be benign.
The text surrounding the figure, in which I wear the prayer shawl (tallis) and yarmulke is in a traditional design form used in Hebrew texts and called a carpet page.
The text is the traditional Hebrew prayer for the departed and because of my uncertain expectations I decided to realize visually my own statement regarding death."
Source: Aba Bayefsky's Journal No. 2, January 2, 1984