Masath Moshe [commentary to the Book of Esther, with text]

AUCTION 3 | Tuesday, November 25th, 1997 at 1:00

Fine Hebrew Printed Books Duplicates from the Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America

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Lot 16

ALSHEICH, MOSES

Masath Moshe [commentary to the Book of Esther, with text]

FIRST EDITION. Five woodcut illustrations on f.83v. Endpapers carry Hebrew manuscript family-register in an Italian hand, also signature of Jacob ben David Pardo of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) ff. 86. Variously worn and stained, previous owner’s inscriptions on front free-endpaper, stamp of the Husiatyn bookseller David Frankel on title. Loose in old calf, worn. 8vo Vinograd, Venice 931

Venice: Daniel Zanetti 1601

Est: $500 - $700

PRICE REALIZED $850

The illustrations representing the four principle characters of the Esther story (Ahasuerus, Haman, Mordechai and Queen Esther) had in fact been taken from di Gara’s Hagadah printed two years earlier (see lot 78). The fifth illustration was originally to represent the Passover Seder. Here it has been retitled to represent visitors bringing gifts of food (Mishloach Manoth) to celebrants seated at a Purim Banquet. See M. Friedman, Transplanted Illustrations in Jewish Printed Books, in: Jewish Art (1988) Vol. XIV pp. 44-55