A LARGE ITALIAN PARCEL-GILT SILVER TORAH CROWN

of exceptional size, deeply embossed, chased and pierced with rococo scrolls, fruit and flowers under baldachinos applied with emblems including menorah, Tablets of the Law, priestly garment and temple, and applied with blessings, also applied with three-dimensional flowers.

two surmounting flowerheads reattached, possibly early replacements, and tiny loss to top rim; one vase missing three-dimensional flower and another a leaf; one baldachino with modern brass screw, gilt spacer missing from inscription band, small splits and pinholes; overall impressive piece with fantastic chasing
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This crown is exceptional for its size and for the depth of its chasing.  The maker, Andrea Zambelli, also created a pair of pinecone-form Torah finials that are part of the trove of Judaica recently rediscovered under a staircase in the Ghetto of Venice and restored through Venetian Heritage, exhibited Sotheby's New York, December 2012-January 2013.  He also contributed to a monstrance in the Church of San Salvador, Venice, 1767-69, suggesting at least a partial speciality in religious silver.

The Hebrew inscription translates as, "a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty [Isaiah 28-5], given from the heart in the spirit of generosity by the important and wealthy, his honor Gabriel Triesti, to do true honor to the Torah in the eyes of God, may He guard him for endless generations, Amen, may it be the will of God."  Another later hand has added, "And now, may his soul be bound up in the bonds of life."

Gabriel Trieste (1784-1860) was a prominent Jewish merchant and philanthropist in Padua, president of the Community there.  He established several benevolent foundations, including one of 24,000 Austrian lire for promoting art among young Jewish artists, and another prize of 1,000 gulden, given in 1850 for the publication of a history of the Jews.  See also the Italian gold amulet, lot 205, with the arms of the Trieste family.