Estellina's Scroll

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The Book of Esther, which is one of the historical books of the Old Testament, tells how the devotion and courage of a young woman helped save the Jews threatened of massacre under the rule of the Persians. The context of the story is a court intrigue. This nice legend became a political symbol of the liberation of the Jewish people.

This book is read in the synagogue during the feast of Purim, which takes place just before spring. Women are invited to listen and to glorify Esther as a model of morality.

Depending on the time and according to interpretations of liturgists, they could do even more: a woman from Venice, named Estellina, signed the scroll of Esther for sale by Sotheby's on November 24 in New York.

The Hebrew text is framed by arches preciously illuminated in colors with caryatids, satyrs, human and animal faces, and fruits. The 24 columns extending horizontally are assembled as a roll mounted on a turned wood handle. This work 1.90 m long and 35 cm high is dated 3 Adar 5324, a few days before Purim.

The image of this very valuable and rare object, estimated 600 K$, is shared by AuctionPublicity.

I endeavour when I can to provide the dates in the calendar that was applicable when the work was created. For my first use of the Hebrew calendar, I'm willing to translate: February 15, 1564.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This scroll is both an art object and an interesting and ancient witness of Jewish liturgy. It is rewarded with a good price, just below the estimate, at 600 K$ including premium. I remind that the estimates never include fees.