Drawn to a world anchored in past traditions, Jewish painter Brandon became especially known for his depictions of synagogues, festivals, and rabbis. In this tiny picture, he shows a Jewish scholar absorbed in study. On the top left are the Hebrew words for “God is one” from the biblical "Shema` Israel" (“Hear O’Israel”) morning and evening prayer. The extinguished candle might suggest it is morning, and the sitter spent the night studying. The thick, white impasto and skillfully rendered light reflections show Brandon’s virtuoso handling of paint. Four years after creating this work, Brandon participated in the first Impressionist exhibition in Paris.

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