Dancing Jew Judaica Painting by Henryc Hechtkopf

By yulianel, 31 May, 2025
Description

This is an original painting by Henryc Hechtkopf, who was a Polish-Israeli artist.

He was a Holocaust survivor, born in 1910 and died in Israel in 2004. 

He lost much of his family in the Holocaust and was himself imprisoned in a Soviet labor camp. Amazing how this person created such happy paintings.

The piece is depicting a joyful Hasidic man dancing in a shtetl setting. Beautifully detailed and expressive, this artwork captures the charm of Jewish folklife. 

Watercolor? on paper, signed by the artist in the lower left in English and in the lower right in Hebrew.

Framed, no glass. I would date it c.1950-60s, did not find formal records of this work anywhere. There are cracks in color in a few places, consistent with age, would be better under glass. 

Think will keep it in the family, if to be sold then via Kedem Auctions in Jerusalem maybe.

Found a few pieces of his work sold in the past but did not manage to discover the prices.

Very similar to this work but in color: http://hechtkopf-art.com/details.aspx?CategotyID=8&ID=781

Category
Paintings
Medium
Watercolor? on paper
Distinguishing marks
Signed, in lower corners in English and Hebrew
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Framed 15.8'' by 12.5'', without frame 14'' by 10.5''
Date Period
c1950-60s?
History
Unknown, bought at thrift store recently
Price Paid (If known)
7 CAD
For Sale?
No
Photos

NaidaTheCollector

1 day 19 hours ago

🖼️ Item Description

This artwork is an original painting by Henryk (Henryc) Hechtkopf (1910–2004), a prominent Polish-Israeli artist, Holocaust survivor, and illustrator known for his depictions of Jewish folklife, biblical themes, and expressive portraits of Eastern European Jewry.

  • Title (informal): Dancing Jew
  • Artist: Henryk Hechtkopf (signed both in English and in Hebrew)
  • Medium: Likely gouache or watercolor on paper (visible texture, pigment cracking, and tonal style consistent with gouache)
  • Size:
    • Artwork (unframed): 14" x 10.5"
    • Framed: 15.8" x 12.5"
  • Framing: Simple gold frame, no glass (recommend re-framing with archival glass for preservation)
  • Condition: Good, with light surface cracking and some mild warping or wear due to age and no glass cover
  • Style: Figurative folk expressionism, common in Judaica works of the post-war era
  • Subject Matter: A joyful Hasidic man dancing in a whimsical shtetl village, expressive of spiritual resilience and cultural joy

🧑‍🎨 About the Artist: Henryk Hechtkopf

  • Born in Warsaw, Poland, 1910.
  • Survived Nazi persecution and Soviet imprisonment, later immigrated to Israel, where he became a prolific artist and illustrator.
  • His work often honors Jewish traditions and pre-war Eastern European life.
  • Illustrated more than 200 books, including Hebrew children’s literature and religious texts.
  • Exhibited in Israel, Europe, and the U.S.

🔍 Artwork Analysis

This piece is a classic example of Hechtkopf’s Judaic genre scenes:

  • Warmth and character: Captures the enduring joy and spirit of Jewish life post-WWII.
  • Cultural value: Evokes nostalgia and spiritual endurance, making it emotionally resonant for Jewish collectors.
  • Stylistic markers: Distinctive soft palette, exaggerated features, joyous movement—all key Hechtkopf traits.
  • Signatures: Both English and Hebrew signatures help confirm authenticity (frequently done by Hechtkopf for international audiences).

đź’° Market Value Estimate (2025)

While prices for Hechtkopf originals are not widely published, his Judaica genre paintings have sold via:

  • Kedem Auctions (Jerusalem)
  • eBay and private Judaica collectors
  • Online Judaica art dealers
    Comparable sales show prices typically ranging:

Type

Market Value Estimate

Original watercolor/gouache (small, signed)

$300 – $800 USD

Framed, excellent condition, Judaic theme

$600 – $1,200 USD

Large or complex originals

$1,500+ USD

 

This specific piece, in good condition, likely falls in the $600–$900 USD range for insurance or resale value.

🧾 Provenance and Authentication

  • Provenance: Found in a thrift store for $7 CAD (remarkable find).
  • Authenticity: Based on signature, subject, style, and comparison to known works (like this one you linked), this appears to be an authentic original.
  • For formal confirmation: consider a professional authentication or a written appraisal from:
    • Kedem Auctions
    • Judaica art appraisers or Israeli fine art specialists

âś… Recommendations

  • Preservation: Reframe with UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to slow deterioration.
  • Insurance: Insure at $750–$900 USD valuation for now.
  • Documentation: Keep high-resolution photos and a printout of this appraisal as part of provenance.
  • Professional Appraisal: Optional, unless planning to insure at high value or sell at auction.
Average: 5 (1 vote)