L'Amico della Ragione ["The Friend of Reason": equal rights for Jews]
AUCTION 48 |
Thursday, May 27th,
2010 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art Featuring an Exceptional Collection of American Judaica
Lot 137
(ITALY).
L'Amico della Ragione ["The Friend of Reason": equal rights for Jews]
Ferrara: Eredi di Giuseppe Rinaldi 1796
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
PRICE REALIZED $2,000
At the top of the broadside are emblazoned the mottos "Libert`a (Liberty) and Uguaglianza (Equality). In 1796 the French Republic granted equal rights to the Jews of Ferrara. (See Z. Szajkowski, Jews and the French Revolutions of 1789, 1830 and 1848 (1970), p. 910, no. 564.) This provoked a terrible backlash from conservative Catholic elements. Our broadside argues in favor of the emancipation of the Jews, providing an historical record of the Jews' service to humanity. Honorably mentioned are the famous Jew Montalto, who served as physician to Maria de Medici and the Norsa and Abarbanel Families of Ferrara, who were awarded titles of distinction.