Lot 63
  • 63

A pair of Dutch parcel-gilt silver Torah finials, Willem Rosier, Amsterdam, 1768

Estimate
75,000 - 90,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • height 16 1/8 in. (41cm)
of three tiered hexagonal form, the arched windows hung with bells and sectioned by columns, surmounted by a domed roof composed of six arches and a crown and bud form knop, set on plain staves with a central node and inscribed with the Hebrew letters Bet and Gimmel, some bells replaced, struck with Jewish Community of Amsterdam owner's mark and RS 11 (Rapenburgerstraat Synagogue)

Provenance

Rapenburgerstraat Synagogue (inventory no. 11) 

Condition

bells on one finial replaced. On same finial, new screws holing the upper portion of the stave to the body
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.

Catalogue Note

Situated in the former Jewish quarter of Amsterdam, the building at 109 Rapenburgerstraat was constructed in 1883.  The Beit HaMidrash Etz Chaim, a center for Jewish learning founded by the Ashkenazi Jewish Community in 1740, was housed there. The building's main auditorium functioned as the synagogue.

Willem Hendrik Rosier (1707-1775) was born a Catholic, the son of Anthoni Rosier and Geertruy Winter.  He was accepted into the Amsterdam Goldsmiths' Guild in 1725.  He married three times, in 1727, again in 1734 to the widow of a goldsmith, and thirdly in 1762.  By the last date he is recorded on the Groenburgwal in Amsterdam, just across a canal from the Jewish quarter.  Six sets of Torah finials by Rosier are known: three pairs in the Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam, two pairs sold last year, also from the NIHS, and the offered pair.