(AUSTRIA)
AUCTION 43 |
Thursday, April 02nd,
2009 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art
Lot 53
(AUSTRIA)
Cracow: (1796)
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
PRINTED ON SILK.
Kazimierz was the historic Jewish quarter of Cracow, established in 1494 by King John Albert. In 1795, Galicia fell under Austrian rule, having been annexed to the Holy Roman or Austro-Hungarian Empire. Cracow was the principal city of Western Galicia. See JE, Vol. IV, pp. 325, 327
In this historic document, Cracow's Jews pledge their allegiance to the new Austrian ruler, while expressing their hope that tolerance will be extended to them. This particular, singular copy executed on silk, would likely have been presented as an expensive token of respect from the Jews of Cracow to the new Ruler.