Esther Scroll, [18th Century]

Ink and gouache on parchment (12 x 151 ½ in.; 310 x 3850 mm). Text written in square Hebrew script arranged in 17 columns with 21 lines to a column, six membranes stitched together. Illustrations added by a later hand. First membrane worn with scattered stains and discoloration to upper margin, occasional blurring of letters most prominent in the final membrane. Mounted on a turned wooden roller. 

This eighteenth century scroll has been embellished, at a later date, with a series of 34 detailed narrative scenes from the book of Esther. The illustrations appear along the upper and lower borders of the scroll and provide a visual record of the dramatic biblical tale. The decorative program is based on engravings found in eighteenth century Italian megilot with printed borders.

The folk-artist of this scroll employed a vivid palette and has further decorated the megilah with a repeating pattern of brightly colored floral motifs set between the text columns. Immediately preceding and following the text of the scroll are the artist’s rendition of the Teixeira de Mattos family coat of arms. 

PROVENANCE: This megilah was sold in the auction of Important Judaica, From the Collection of the Late Ignat Mahler, Parke–Bernet Galleries, May 20, 1970, lot 164.