Obj. ID: 34758
Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts MAHJ Esther Scroll with Sunflowers, Alsace (?), mid-18th century
The Hebrew text of the Book of Esther is inscribed in wide columns that are framed in lying rectangles. Above and below the text panels are painted the episodes from the Book of Esther and full figures (some of them represent Esther story protagonists; others are unidentified). The panels in the upper margins are separated by roundels with Yiddish inscriptions based on the text of the Book of Esther; every roundel is decorated with four fleurs-de-lys. Whereas the panels in the lower margins are interspersed by sunflowers. In the spaces between the text panels, human figures are shown and in one case, there is a narrative scene (hanging of Haman's sons). The same scheme features sheets nos. 2, 3, and 4, whereas the decoration, color scheme, and handwriting of the first membrane are completely different from them; this suggests that the sheet is a later addition to the scroll.
Due to the details present on the first membrane (see description of "sheet 1"), it can be assumed that it was created not earlier than in 1818, possibly in France. It seems that it is a later addition to the 18th-century scroll.
The membranes are glued which was a less popular method of joining the sheets in the scrolls than stitching.
The garments in which the figures are depicted represent Western European fashion.
In two places inscriptions in the Latin alphabet are written in pencil.
The scroll is displayed at the Museum's permanent exhibition.
A "sister" scroll was sold at the Sotheby's auction Important Judaica Including Property from the Jewish Community of Amsterdam (NIHS) that took place in New York on 13th Decmeber 2006, lot 186 (see "Bibliography").
sub-set tree:
| inv. D.98.04.077.CL (former number Cl 17503)
| inv. D.98.04.077.CL (former number Cl 17503)
The length of the sheets in the scroll: 1) 250 mm, 2) 435 mm, 3) 650 mm, 4) 640 mm.
An average letter is less than 2 mm high.
Dimensions of the selected details in the scroll:
- text column - 75x110 mm;
- illustrations - ca. 70x110 mm;
- panels with roundels - 65x60 mm;
- panels with sunflowers - 65x60 mm;
- panels with figures - 75x60 mm.
All details are framed by lines that are 2-3 mm wide.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew with initial benedictions and inscriptions in Yiddish
The scroll is formed of 4 membranes containing 9 text columns (+ a column with the initial benedictions) with 19 lines. The consistent layout of the text is disturbed in the lower-right corner of the text panel no. 8 in which the section listing the names of Haman's sons (Es. 9:6-10) written in 11 lines divided into two parts is incorporated; the graphic solution that is unique for this megillah. The letters in this fragment are slightly larger than in the rest of the text in the scroll.
The text is written in dark brown ink, in the Ashkenazi square script on the parchment membranes that are thin, delicate, rather suede and soft. The first membrane, which is the later addition to the manuscript, is different because it is thin but stiffer and brighter than the others; it is in the color of ivory while all other membranes are more yellow.
The enlarged and diminished letters are visible in text panel 8, in the additional column including the names of Haman's sons. The letter ת (Es. 9:29) is also enlarged.
There are small spaces between the subsequent lines of the text; due to this and the size of the letters, the text is rather dense.
The ruling is invisible.
The membranes are glued.
Victor Klagsbald, Catalogue raisonné de la collection juive du Musée de Cluny, Paris 1981, 68-71, object 77.
A short description in French and images of the manuscript are available on https://www.mahj.org/fr/decouvrir-collections-betsalel/rouleau-d-esther-50103 (accessed on 25.06.2020).
A short description of a "sister" scroll is available on https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2006/important-judaica-including-property-from-the-jewish-community-of-amsterdam-nihs-n08266/lot.186.html (accessed on 25.06.2020).