This profusely illustrated Dutch scroll is distinctive for its
thirty-eight illustrations drawn in sepia ink. The decoration of
the scroll begins with a triumphal arch reminiscent of Roman
Triumphal arches constructed for royal festivities throughout
Europe from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. The scroll
also contains some unusual representations. One is of Mordecai
standing in a room with a wall filled with books. He is portrayed
as a scholar, perhaps reflecting a rabbinic tradition that informs
us of his remarkable knowledge of seventy languages, which helped
him uncover the plot against Ahasuerus. Another striking
illustration is the depiction of two merrymaking dwarves dancing
and playing stringed instruments in celebration of the Jews’
delivery from destruction.
Place
Preferred form
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Original form
Amsterdam
Other form
Amsterdam, Baruch ben Schemaria
Amsterdam, copied and decorated by Hijman Binger
Amsterdam, copied by Meir Cohen Belinfante, decorated by Isaac Siprut
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Duyk Pieters dochter in het St. Catharinaconvent te Amsterdam (1e helft 16e eeuw)
