- 119
An assembled Italian Torah ensemble, Venice and Rome, 18th and mid 19th century
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- marked on crown with town mark, maker HON/OR and three times with assay master Zuanne Premuda (1712-49), shield apparently unmarked but presumably by the same, finials marked on staves
- Torah scroll and mantle with Italian
- length of crown 7 3/8 in.; height of finials 11 1/4 in.; height of Torah 32 in.
- 18.8 cm; 28.6 cm; 81.3 cm
comprising a Torah, two binders, a mantle, crown, shield, and finials, the crown boldly embossed and chased with shells, scrolling foliage and grapevine, the matching shield engraved with Hebrew inscription, both Venice, circa 1730; the finials of hexagonal form applied with flowerheads and strapwork on matted ground and hung with bells, by Marino Cocchi, Bologna, circa 1850
Provenance
This 18th century Sephardic Torah Scroll belonged to the prominent Sacerdoti family (whose surname indicates their priestly heritage), and was used in their family synagogue in Modena from the 18th century. Bequeathed to Judah (Leonardo) Sacerdoti (1817-1884), and in turn to his son Gamaliel “Camillo” Sacerdoti (1849-1933); thence to his daughter, Clara Sacerdoti Padoa (b.1872); thence to her son, Dr. Meir (Mario) Padua (1907-2003), and by descent to the present owner.
When Camillo moved to Florence (sometime in the late 19th—early 20th century), this scroll and several others belonging to the family were deposited for several years in the Great Synagogue of Modena for safekeeping and returned to the family by Camillo’s grandson, Dr. Mario Padua, who brought the Scroll to Israel in the 1960s.
Condition
breastplate with numerous patch repairs, torah crown with repairs at seams and top has been cut down, the finials with small dents throughout, mantle with one area of stitched repairs, otherwise good
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
The text on the Torah shield translates to: "First Book" and "Donation to the Lord. For the repose of the soul of the honorable Moses Fano, of blessed memory".