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Obj. ID: 39607
Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts
  GFC Esther Scroll with Ornamented Horseshoe Arches, Essaouira, ca. 1875

© Gross Family Collection (GFC), Photographer: Bar Hama, Ardon, -

The Hebrew text of the Book of Esther is written within the architectonic frame composed of a row of horseshoe arches that are almost closed circles. Every space between the text panels is filled with a unique decoration formed of floral or geometric motifs; exceptionally between the seventh and the eighth panels are painted birds. The only illustration - Haman hanged (Es. 7:10) - was incorporated in the twentieth column but at present it is invisible. All decorations in the scroll are painted in two colors. Its opening and final sections are blank.

Summary and Remarks

The color scheme featuring this scroll is typical for many decorated megillot from Morocco.

The decorations were sketched with the same ink as the text of the Book of Esther was written.

Remarks

7 image(s)

sub-set tree:

Name/Title
GFC Esther Scroll with Ornamented Horseshoe Arches | Unknown
Object Detail
Monument Setting
Unknown
Date
Ca. 1875
Synagogue active dates
Reconstruction dates
Artist/ Maker
Unknown
Historical Origin
Unknown
Community type
Unknown |
Congregation
Unknown
Location
Unknown |
Site
Unknown
School/Style
Unknown|
Period
Unknown
Period Detail
Collection
Documentation / Research project
Unknown
Textual Content
Unknown |
Languages of inscription
Unknown
Shape / Form
Unknown
Material / Technique
Ink and paints on parchment
Material Stucture
Material Decoration
Material Bonding
Material Inscription
Material Additions
Material Cloth
Material Lining
Tesserae Arrangement
Density
Colors
Construction material
Measurements
The scroll: 140x2410 mm.
Height
Length
Width
Depth
Circumference
Thickness
Diameter
Weight
Axis
Panel Measurements
Condition

The final section of the manuscript is crumpled, but - in general - the scroll is well preserved.

Extant
Documented by CJA
Surveyed by CJA
Present Usage
Present Usage Details
Condition of Building Fabric
Architectural Significance type
Historical significance: Event/Period
Historical significance: Collective Memory/Folklore
Historical significance: Person
Architectural Significance: Style
Architectural Significance: Artistic Decoration
Urban significance
Significance Rating
0
Ornamentation
Custom
Contents

The Book of Esther in Hebrew

Codicology

The scroll is formed of 4 sheets, containing in total 24 columns of text of 22 or 23 lines each, except for col. 20 which includes 11 lines divided into two half-columns.

The lines of the text fit the shape of the panels, therefore they are of different lengths.

The number of the text columns per membrane: no. 1 - 5 columns, nos. 2 and 3 - 8 columns, no. 4 - 3 columns.

The text is written in Hebrew square Oriental script in brown ink on the parchment membranes that are very bright.

The letter ח (Es. 1:6) is formed of two parts joined with a roof and decorated with two tiny strokes. The letter ת (Es. 9:29) is not highlighted. Enlarged and diminished letters are included in col. 20.

There are several decorated letters in col. 20 and the letter ע in the final word of the scroll.

The ruling is made with a hard point; only horizontal lines can be noticed. 

The pricking is invisible.

The membranes in the scroll are stitched together.

Scribes
Script
Number of Lines
Ruling
Pricking
Quires
Catchwords
Hebrew Numeration
Blank Leaves
Direction/Location
Façade (main)
Endivances
Location of Torah Ark
Location of Apse
Location of Niche
Location of Reader's Desk
Location of Platform
Temp: Architecture Axis
Arrangement of Seats
Location of Women's Section
Direction Prayer
Direction Toward Jerusalem
Coin
Coin Series
Coin Ruler
Coin Year
Denomination
Signature
Colophon

None

Scribal Notes
Watermark
Hallmark
Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
Trade Mark
Binding
Decoration Program
Suggested Reconsdivuction
History/Provenance
Main Surveys & Excavations
Sources

No bibliography on the scroll is available.

Type
Documenter
Dagmara Budzioch | 2021
Author of description
Dagmara Budzioch | 2021
Architectural Drawings
|
Computer Reconstruction
|
Section Head
|
Language Editor
|
Donor
|
Negative/Photo. No.
The following information on this monument will be completed:
Unknown |