Estate / Collection: The Margolis Collection

[MEGILLAT ESTHER]
Esther scroll. Italy: early 19th century. Illustrated manuscript on vellum housed on a wooden roller. 9 3/4 inches x approximately 130 inches (24.5 cm x 4 meters); written on eight membranes, 19 lines arranged in 23 columns, written in a refined Hebrew script, the text within vinework, floral decorations throughout at head and foot, delicately touched with shell gold, with intercolumnar floral designs interspersed with animals. The decoration was clearly accomplished before the scribal lettering was applied. The first membrane with minor restorations.

The coat of arms in the opening cartouche (two lions, rampant, supporting a palm tree) was apparently popular and was used by numerous Italian Jewish families including Foa, Anguillara, Castelnueva, Di Castro, Milano, Tedesci, Uzielli, and others. The ornamentation is of very high quality and great charm.