- 110
A Decorated Ketubbah from Ancona, 1779
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description
- parchment
- 25 x 19 inches
Gouache and ink on parchment (25 x 19 in.; 63.5 x 48 cm).
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.
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
Recording the marriage of Samuel Hayyim, son of lsaac Zoref and Leah, daughter of the late Yerahmiel ben-Porat (Bemporad), on Wednesday 14 Nissan, 5539 [= March 31, 1779]
This ketubbah is a magnificent example of the cutout technique employed by Jewish artisans in northern Italy for decorating ketubbot in the eighteenth century. The elaborate frame combines the cutout technique with vivid painting. In the upper portion, a shield with blessings for the bride and groom is supported by two heralding angels. Surrounding the main text panel, an inner border with imagery of stylized flowers, birds and intertwined vines is paralleled by a wider painted border and is in turn enclosed by a narrow band of decorative inscriptions comprised of biblical verses. This ketubbah shows that this wedding took place on the eve of the Passover holiday, a popular date for marriage ceremonies. This timing allowed for the concurrent celebration of the the week-long Sheva Berakhot, joyous festivities held in honor of the bride and groom, and the eight-day Passover holiday.
This ketubbah is a magnificent example of the cutout technique employed by Jewish artisans in northern Italy for decorating ketubbot in the eighteenth century. The elaborate frame combines the cutout technique with vivid painting. In the upper portion, a shield with blessings for the bride and groom is supported by two heralding angels. Surrounding the main text panel, an inner border with imagery of stylized flowers, birds and intertwined vines is paralleled by a wider painted border and is in turn enclosed by a narrow band of decorative inscriptions comprised of biblical verses. This ketubbah shows that this wedding took place on the eve of the Passover holiday, a popular date for marriage ceremonies. This timing allowed for the concurrent celebration of the the week-long Sheva Berakhot, joyous festivities held in honor of the bride and groom, and the eight-day Passover holiday.