The Esther story in this megillah (pl. megillot) isn't presented as
an historic drama, but rather as a funny satire. The character of
Alsatian Jewish life is captured in the ornamentation of the
scroll: the whimsical imagery includes peasant figures in colorful
local costume and reflections of folk humor. Lively figures,
several shown strolling with walking sticks in hand and others
gesturing, are interspersed with human busts, owls, and a gargoyle,
while the Hebrew text is arranged within octagonal frames
approximately 6 cm high. The few known Alsatian megillot share
several distinctive characteristics, such as a bright palette of
yellow, red, and green; stocky robust figures; and large vibrant
flowers. In this Braginsky Collection Esther scroll, the women wear
red or blue garments with yellow corselets laced in front, whereas
the men are depicted wearing, amongst others, traditional white
ruffs, red or blue jackets with culottes, and a variety of hats.
