Img. ID: 544944

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

Talismans come in many shapes and forms and for many different purposes.  One of the most popular is the birth amulet.  This piece is such an amulet, written in Italy for the woman Emilia bat Consola.  The parchment is inscribed with the names of the angels whose protection is invoked. The sheet is filled with inscriptions in micrographic form in pleasing forms in pleasing arrangements, some of which are specific invocations against the evil powers of Lilith. The names of the patriarchal couples are inscribed as well. Birth was a frightening and dangerous prospect in the 19th century and such amulets surely were comforting for the mother and family before the impending birth. This amulet is rendered in a particularly aesthetic design. It would seem that this amulet was designed to be hung in the room of mother and child and not folded and carried, as prescribed in the story of the conversation between Eliyahu and Lilith, written on this amulet.

Made For:      Menachem Gershon bar Guidita