(POLAND).

<<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, Austro-Hungarian, Empire. Cracow was the principal city of Western Galicia. 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 as the monarch is known for his sense of justice and compassion for all people. This particular singular copy, executed on silk, an expensive token of respect from the Jews of Cracow, was likely presented directly to the new Ruler. Of interest within the document is the sentiment reflecting turbulence within the Jewish community itself: Entrusting that the monarch will support the Jews in upholding “the religion of their fathers …from the belief of the fanatics (that is, the Chassidim) as well as the non-belief of the religious reformers.”