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A Magnificent Italian Cover for a Reader’s Desk, 1686
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
silk and satin appliqued with handmade lace, including Milanese and Reticella panels.
height 85 in.; width 73 1/2 in.
215.9 cm; 186.7 cm
Scholars have suggested that the pattern of wear on this exquisite textile indicates that it was used as a cover for the Reader’s Desk (Bimah), a platform in the synagogue where the Torah is read and prayers are recited. The center is embroidered with the dedicatory inscription, In honor of God, and in honor of the Torah, Giuditta, wife of Azariah me-Adumim (de Rossi) in the year 1686.
In Mantua, there were several members of the illustrious de’ Rossi family named Azariah (Bonaiuto), among them leaders of the community from the mid-sixteenth through the late-seventeenth century. Given the elaborate nature of this textile, it is likely that the dedicatory inscription refers to one of the most important Jewish merchants in Mantua in the second half of the seventeenth century and perhaps the wealthiest of them all, Azariah (Bonaiuto) de’ Rossi whose estate amounted to over 200,000 Mantuan lire after his death in 1695.
height 85 in.; width 73 1/2 in.
215.9 cm; 186.7 cm
Scholars have suggested that the pattern of wear on this exquisite textile indicates that it was used as a cover for the Reader’s Desk (Bimah), a platform in the synagogue where the Torah is read and prayers are recited. The center is embroidered with the dedicatory inscription, In honor of God, and in honor of the Torah, Giuditta, wife of Azariah me-Adumim (de Rossi) in the year 1686.
In Mantua, there were several members of the illustrious de’ Rossi family named Azariah (Bonaiuto), among them leaders of the community from the mid-sixteenth through the late-seventeenth century. Given the elaborate nature of this textile, it is likely that the dedicatory inscription refers to one of the most important Jewish merchants in Mantua in the second half of the seventeenth century and perhaps the wealthiest of them all, Azariah (Bonaiuto) de’ Rossi whose estate amounted to over 200,000 Mantuan lire after his death in 1695.
Literature
Silvio Cusin, Arte nella Tradizione Ebraica, 1963, illustrated
Condition
Central panel stitched to strengthen it. It appears that additional lace extensions were added. Textile is made up of several different pieces of cloth.
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.
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.