”THE MATCHMAKER” is a Genuine Early Signed And Dated (1972) Ari Roussimoff Oil on Canvas Painting, measuring approx. 12 x 15 3/4 inches. The overwhelming happiness that takes place in an Eastern European Jewish "Shtetl" Wedding is often due to the efforts of the local Matchmaker (in Yiddish known as a "Shadchen"). This is a man who religious parents would consult when seeking either a Bride or a Groom for their offspring. He was a busy personality, always looking to fill up his little book with the names of potential candidates. The Matchmaker, was a very well-known and significant part of Easter European Jewish history. He was easily recognizable, often seen scurrying about town in his small black Bowler-hat and often carrying an umbrella. Roussimoff has keenly captured the very recognizable spirit of this lively and most warm-hearted character. In this spirited study, we can virtually hear the man speaking to us, his smiling face filled with consoling words of expectation. These are the types of personalities one finds in the fabulous Yiddish tales by authors such as Sholem Aleichem and I. L. Peretz. The famed musical play, "Fiddler on the Roof" also comes to mind. This painting, with its wonderful sense of old world Jewishness, is nonetheless a fine portrait which transcends all boundaries of religion and ethnicity.

"THE MATCHMAKER"

Oil on Canvas by Ari Roussimoff