Lot 8
  • 8

A Decorated Ketubbah, Senigallia, 1851

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description

  • parchment
  • 28 x 19 inches
ink and gouache on parchment.
height 28 in.; width 19 in.
71 cm; 48 cm

Recording the marriage of Jacob, son of Abraham Jeshurun from the city of Trieste and Vittoria, daughter of David son of the late Israel Samuel Hayyim Almaya, on Friday 10  Av, 5611 [= August 8, 1851].

Ketubbot from the small coastal town of Senigallia closely resemble those from Ancona, a nearby city that was one of the most prolific centers of ketubbah decoration in Italy. This contract displays one of Ancona's most elegant designs, featuring an exquisite border of flowers inhabited by colorful, realistically rendered birds. The tri-colored flags that appear at the top of the page are an unusual addition to this decorative program.  While the identity of this flag, whose colors are repeated in the medallion above and the tasseled bow below, has yet to be uncovered, such nationalistic emblems are usually intended to express the couple's patriotism or connection with a particular government.  

Exhibited

To Have and To Hold: Decorated Marriage Contracts, 17th–19th Centuries. The Herbert and Eileen Bernard Museum, Congregation Emanu-El, New York, 2001

Condition

Framed. Not examined outside of frame.
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.