Marriage Contract. Copper-engraving on vellum. Text in brown ink, Sephardi cursive Hebrew script. Uniting Aaron ben Abraham Mendes da Costa and Rebecca, daughter of Abraham Mendes de Leon. SIGNED BY DANIEL BEN DAVID COHEN D’AZEVEDO

(KETHUBAH)

Amsterdam

26th Nissan, 1816

Engraved within the famed “Amsterdam Borders,” an arch enclosing two cherubs holding a banner inscribed with the formula “Be’siman Tov”, flanked by pillars entwined with flora and decorated with urns of flowers with birds and insects, a couple at top left clasping hands and allegory of the virtue “Charity” at top right

Sabar 171 (though compare nos.169 & 172 for variations and developments of style); see Memorbook, p.148

Originating in Amsterdam in the mid-17th century, the elegant design of this Kethubah was particularly desirable among European, and even Caribbean, Sephardi communities. In this new version of popular engraving, the clothing of the bridal couple at the upper left is altered to fit the period’s taste and fashion. Another curious addition is the oval medallion at the bottom center depicting the legendary winged phoenix rising from the ashes The signatory, DANIEL COHEN D’AZEVEDO, was appointed Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam’s Portuguese Jewish Congregation in 1792