The Feast of the Rejoicing of the Law at the Synagogue in Leghorn, Italy

In the nineteenth century, especially in the era before photography, it was common for artists to travel to exotic or picturesque locations in Europe, North Africa, and the Near East, and to produce artworks upon their return home that helped satisfy the curiosity of the public about distant places. In 1841 and 1842, Solomon Hart visited Italy, including the synagogue in Leghorn (Livorno). In this painting, executed after his return to England, he depicts the celebration of Simchat Torah, when it is customary to carry the Torah scrolls in a procession around the synagogue in celebration of the conclusion of the yearly cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. Hart gave special attention to the diversity of the people he encountered in the synagogue and to their attire. On the left side of the painting, for example, two figures, perhaps a father and son, wear head coverings common to Jews from the Near East. Oil on canvas. Approximately: 55 5/8 x 68 3/4 in. (141.3 x 174.6 cm).