By Livia Zarge
Given that we’re five months into the quarantine for the Covid-19 pandemic, I thought that it would appropriate to bring some nature into our homes. When I was taking an environmental science class I learned about the concept of “biophilia”: the idea that human beings thrive around nature and even something as simple as a picture of a forest could create a more positive mindset. With that in mind, check out some of my favorite Judaica nature paintings!
In this set of paintings by Zvi Raphaeli, viewers get a peek at two different types of nature paintings. In this one, there’s a mysterious set of partially-bare trees. There’s shrubbery around the base of each tree as well as brisk yet light lines drawn between the trees, perhaps a sign that the picture was painted in the fall. The horizonal lines also keep the viewer’s eyes on the branches, inviting them to ponder the meaning and setting of the piece.
In contrast, this Zvi Raphaeli is almost the polar opposite. Painted with bright colors and exaggerated flourishes, it’s almost impossible to pick one place to focus. The wild lines pull the viewer’s gaze from one side of the painting to the other in a matter of moments. While the other painting creates a mysterious aura, this one is direct: joy and life.
