A RARE JEWISH “PEEP-SHOW” DEPICTING THE SEPHARDIC SYNAGOGUE OF AMSTERDAM. Augsburg, Germany, mid-l8th century.

Seven hand colored, cut out scenes depicting the Cantor chanting during services in the Sephardi Synagogue in Amersterdam, displayed in sequence within a specially fitted contemporary wooden box. Each is labelled on top: “Temple of the Jews” in French and German. Engraving: 195mm x 235mm. Box: H: 475mm.

The engravings were designed and executed by Martin Engelbrecht and Jeremiah Wachsmuht, artists of repute who lived in Augsburg during the mid-18th century. Both were both members of the Ecole Allemande, known for their illustrations and designs. (See Benezit) The synagogue, also known as the “Spanish and Portugese,” was founded in 1675. See Lot 136. For a similar peep-show sold at auction, see Kestenbaum and Company, Sale VII, June 22, 1999, Lot 322