Obj. ID: 38121
Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts JMNY Esther Scroll with Zodiac, Israelite Tribes, and Lions, USA or Eretz Israel, 19th/20th centuries
The rectangular columns of text are separated by twisted architectural columns which contain ovals with full portraits of the Book of Esther's protagonists, though most of them are difficult to recognize. The crown-shaped capitals of the columns support medallions containing the signs of the Zodiac which are flanked by lions looking backward. Their figures together with the Zodiac fill the upper margins of all three sheets in the scroll. The lower margins are decorated with cartouches containing symbols of the twelve Israelite tribes flanked by acanthus leaves.
Some details are painted in gold and silver paints.
11 image(s)
sub-set tree:
Length of the sheets in the scroll: 1) 580 mm, 2) 590 mm, 3) ca. 225 mm.
Dimensions of the selected details in the scroll:
- a segment of decoration with two lions and a medallion: 30x130 mm;
- twisted columns: ca. 220 mm (height);
- text columns are of different width, between less than 80 mm and up to 150 mm;
- an average letter: 2,5 mm (height);
- letters in col. 9: 8-9 mm;
- spaces between the lines of the text: 3 mm.
In general, the manuscript is in good condition, although the rather suede surface of the sheets has caused both ink and paint to flake off in some places.
The membranes are rather dirty and dusty.
The decorations of the lower margins are preserved in worse condition than those on the upper margins.
The lower margin of the first membrane is torn in one place.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew
The scroll is formed of 3 sheets, in total containing 10 columns of text with 36 or 37 lines each, except for col. 9 which has 11 lines divided into two half-columns.
The number of text columns per sheet: no. 1 - 4, no. 2 - 5, no. 3 - 1.
The text is written in Hebrew square Ashkenazi script with tagin in dark brown ink on parchment membranes that are rather thick, stiff, suede, and grey.
The letters ח (Es. 1:6) and ת (Es. 9:29) are enlarged and bolded. Other enlarged and diminished letters are included in col. 9.
The ruling – horizontal and vertical lines - is made with a hard point, along with the sheets. The lines are especially visible on the blank opening section of the scroll.
The pricking is visible on the right edge of the first sheet.
The membranes in the scroll are stitched together.
None
No bibliography on the scroll is available.