Lot 127
  • 127

Illustrated Esther Scroll, Amsterdam: ca. 1720]

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description

  • parchment, ink
Parchment scroll, (7 ¾ x 73 ½ in.: 198 x 1868 mm) comprising four membranes stitched together; the first hand drawn and the final three engraved and printed. Text written in square Ashkenazic Stam script arranged in 17 columns with 24-26 lines to a column. Opening panel with illustrated vignettes surrounding the benedictions recited prior to the reading of the scroll. Typical wear, with some flaking of ink, heavier on first membrane and particularly in the opening panel with traces of a colored wash. Marginal losses to upper edge of final membrane, not affecting text.

Catalogue Note

This Dutch scroll with printed borders features a highly detailed, hand-drawn first membrane with the opening panel containing the blessings recited prior to the reading of the megillah. The text is surrounded by scenes from the biblical book of Esther, including Esther and Ahasuerus seated on a double throne, the hanging of Bigtan and Teresh, Mordecai refusing to bow down to Haman, Haman leading Mordecai through the streets of Shushan on a horse, Esther and Mordehai writing the Purim letter, and the hanging of Haman and his sons. Along the lower horizontal border are a series of narrative vignettes separated by landscape scenes. Running along the upper border are portraits of the characters in the Purim story.  The final column contains blessings and prayers recited after the reading of the megillah.