Marriage Contract for Shavuot, Ink and paint on parchment, 17th-18th century
Object Name:
Marriage Contract for Shavuot
Place Made:
Italy
Date:
17th-18th century
Medium:
Ink and paint on parchment
Dimensions:
21 3/4 × 29 in. (55.2 × 73.7 cm)
Credit Line:
Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman
Accession Number:
F 661

Not On View

This rare ketubbah celebrates the symbolic union between God, the bridegroom, and the People of Israel, the bride, a conceit derived from a Jewish legend. This spiritual wedding takes place on the holiday of Shavuot, and the witnesses are the Heavens and the Earth. The story of Moses, including the giving the Law that is commemorated on Shavuot, is illustrated above and below the text, which is flanked by the figures of Moses and Aaron. The composition is similar to those on title pages of Hebrew and German printed books as well as Hebrew manuscripts.

Information may change as a result of ongoing research.

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