Estate / Collection: The Margolis Collection

[MEGILLAT ESTHER]
Two Esther scrolls. Comprises Book of Esther. Italy: likely late 18th-early 19th century. Illustrated manuscript on vellum. 6 1 /4 inches x 70 1/2 inches (15.5 cm x 2 meters) on turned wooden handle; written on three membranes, 23 lines arranged in 14 columns, written in a neat Hebrew script, a ha-melech megillah with the text within portals flanked by caryatids. Heavily worn throughout, some text partly erased by wear, lacking at least four columns (two front, two back; text begins in the middle of Chapter 2); together with Book of Esther. Italy: likely 19th century, with copious later illustrations (probably by Uvelli). Illustrated manuscript on vellum with a separate undecorated two-column blessing sheet. 12 1/2 x 280 inches (32 cm x 7 meters); ten membranes with 30 columns of text, each column of text flanked with architectural ornament, animals atop every column, vignettes relating to the story of Purim in a running frieze below; the wooden roller (lacking finials) 41.5 cm. A few minor restorations, generally in attractive condition.

The first scroll is imitative of the style of Aryeh Leib ben Daniel of Goray (fl.1740s). The second is a very handsome and substantial work, but the attractive ornament is much later.