Early Photograph of the Rabbi of Izmir, the Gaon Rabbi Avraham Palaji, 19th Century

Early photograph of Rabbi Avraham Palaji, unknown photographer [the photographer's stamp on the lower left is faded].
Rabbi Avraham Palaji [1810-1899], son of the gaon Rabbi Chaim Palaji, was rabbi of Izmir. After his father's passing in 1868, he succeeded him as rabbi of Izmir for approximately 30 years until his own passing. He was accustomed to self-affliction and fasting, and it was told that he was privileged to experience various revelations. He was a tremendous gaon who wrote dozens of books, some of which were burned in the great fire of Izmir in 1841. He corresponded in halachah with rabbinic leaders across the Jewish world - in the Orient, in the West, in Germany and with the sages of the Land of Israel.
Size: 21x27 cm. Pasted to a stiff board 23x30 cm. Very fine condition.