Obj. ID: 49831  Memorial plaque, Modena, 1848

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

While death and mourning are not generally considered a subject with a lot of graphic expression, within the Jewish tradition there are quite a few examples. Such things as memorial poems, burial plot receipts, Yahrzeit memorial plaques, etc. gave ample scope for artistic creativity. The customs surrounding this sad time of life gave birth to graphic design.

This memorial plaque, cut and shaped from parchment, was hung from the memorial lamp in certain cities in Italy.  It is known to have been done in Modena and Mantua.  They were often shaped like tablets, but this example is possibly cut in the shape of a grave stone.