(MEGILATH ESTHER).

Late 20th-century

Contemporary ‘HaMelech’ Scroll of Esther accomplished in black ink on vellum. Bold calligraphic Hebrew script. Written in 38 columns on 8 membranes; elaborately illustrated . Surrounding text throughout the scroll are exceptionally colorful and detailed depictions of the characters and events that populate the Esther story, all executed in gouache, including metallic paints.

Art-nouveau inspired decorative motifs include intricate linear designs and flowing organic curves, utilized in both the text frames and window-like adornments. Interestingly, below the frame instructing the reader to give “shaloch manos” to his friend, the corresponding image is Asian in its detail, perhaps a further attempt by the artist to evoke the exotic world of ancient Persia. The final frame shows a white-bearded Jew, drinking wine - likely part of his Purim celebration - and acts as the colophon, as the artist’s signature appears beside in Hebrew: “S. Shimon.”