Artwork
Painting
Painting is a paint painting by Joseph Zaritsky. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Israel Museum.
About this work
Overview
Yossef Zaritsky, a central figure in Israeli modernism, completed the work titled *Painting* in 1964. Executed during the period of lyrical abstraction, the piece exemplifies his move toward non‑representational forms that helped define the visual language of post‑Yishuv art. The canvas is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings.
Technique & Style
The surface is built up with thick, tactile layers of pigment applied in an impasto manner, giving the work a sculptural quality. Broad, vigorous brushstrokes generate a sense of movement, while the palette of muted greens, blues, grays, and occasional white and yellow creates a subdued, atmospheric effect. The composition avoids clear delineation, favoring blended, ambiguous shapes.
Subject & Meaning
Although the painting does not depict identifiable objects, its textured fields suggest a landscape-like terrain, inviting viewers to sense rather than recognize forms. The interplay of color and mass evokes natural elements such as hills or sky, aligning with Zaritsky’s interest in expressing emotional resonance through abstracted, gestural marks.
History & Provenance
Created shortly after Israel’s establishment, the canvas reflects Zaritsky’s role in shaping the country’s artistic identity. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains accessible for study and public display, contributing to the institution’s representation of mid‑twentieth‑century Israeli art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph (Yossef) Zaritsky (Hebrew: יוסף זריצקי; September 1, 1891 – November 30, 1985) was one of the early promoters of modern art in the Land of Israel both during the period of the Yishuv (the body of Jewish residents…
