PENTATEUCH AND HAPHTAROTH). Tikun Sopherim. - Quinque Libri Mosis.

(BIBLE, Hebrew.

for Samuel Rodrigues Mendes, Moses Sarfati and David Gomes da Silva

Amsterdam

1726

Six parts bound in one. Two engraved rococo title-pages signed by Bernard Picart, very finely hand-colored. Opening title with putti supporting an open Torah Scroll and coronet above with vignettes below depicting Biblical episodes from the lives of Samuel, Moses and David. Additional letterpress title (with small tear along inner margin) in Spanish and Hebrew. Further hand-colored title prior to Book of Haptaroth. Hebrew poems dedicated to various notables towards end. Concluding with Solomon de Oliveyra’s Calendario, with 3 folding tables, Amsterdam, 1726.

Vinograd, Amsterdam 1292; Kayserling 80-1; not in Darlow & Moule

A very fresh copy of a delightful Bible “famed for its beautiful type and for its accuracy.” M.H. Gans, Memorbook (1971) p.186, no.10 (illustrated) This copy, with two exquisitely hand-colored engraved historiated title-pages signed by Bernard Picart, was the only Hebrew book for which Picart designed engravings. He was of course intimately familiar with the Jewish Community in Amsterdam due to his monumental Ceremonies, Moeurs, et Costumes Religieuses de tous les Peuples du Monde (see Lot 244). The cartouches on the opening title allude to the names of the three sponsers.