A Life Between Odessa and Tel Aviv

Chaim Gliksberg began his life in Pinsk, within the Russian Empire, before his family moved to Odessa when he was only two years old. Growing up in the vibrant atmosphere of that port city, he attended the cheder and the Odessa yeshiva. His formal training in art began at the Bershadsky School of Art in 1918, followed by years of study at the city's Art Academy between 1920 and 1924. Under the guidance of Professor Dvornikov and academician Costandi, he built a foundation rooted in Russian academism.

In 1925, Gliksberg arrived in Eretz Israel, settling first in Jerusalem. Life was not always easy; to support himself, he worked at Bezalel and even spent time paving roads. By 1929, he had moved to Tel Aviv, where he established a studio and began teaching. He became a central figure in the local art community, helping to found the Painters and Sculptors Association in 1934 and serving on the committee for the Tel Aviv municipal museum.

The Art of Observation

Gliksberg’s painting style was shaped by a unique blend of influences. While his training was academic, a visit to Moscow allowed him to encounter the works of Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso. This exposure brought a touch of French modernism to his Russian-trained technique. He possessed a particular talent for portraiture, capturing the essence of those around him with great care.

His subjects ranged from everyday scenes to significant figures of his time. Some of his notable works include:

• The Sick Painter's Room, Odessa (1922)
• Portrait of Sonia Zaritsky (1927)
• Yemenite Girl with Braids (1928)
• Interior and Flower Shop, Tel Aviv (1940)
• The Synagogue's Shamash, Tel Aviv (1965)

Beyond the canvas, Gliksberg was a man of many interests. He was a writer who published a memoir titled Treasured in the Heart and recorded his daily interactions with others in Bialik Day to Day. He also found great joy in music.

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout his career, Gliksberg received several honors, including the Dizengoff Prize in 1936, 1937, and 1956. His paintings moved from local galleries into permanent collections such as the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Even after his death in 1970, his presence remained felt in the city he called home; a street in Tel Aviv bears his name.