1 item ([1] leaf) ; 65 x 51 cm.

Aramaic; Hebrew

In Aramaic and Hebrew.

Purchased from Bery Gross on the Alexander Kohut Memorial Fund, 2011.

Marriage contract, manuscript, ink and paint on vellum, dated the 4th of Marḥeshṿan 5644 at Firentsi (1883). The ketubah is arched at the top with the text written in square Hebrew letters typical of Italian-Jewish scribes in nineteenth century Italy. It is possible that the illumination was added later. Surrounding the text is an inscription taken from the wedding ceremony of Italian Jews with repeated statements expressing the wish that God bless the bride and groom as he blessed the patriarchs and matriarchs. [The scribe omitted "ha-kalah" from the first blessing.] The illustrations include symbols of the Twelves Tribes, portraits representing the bride and groom, and colorful floral decorations. At the bottom is a scene of the binding of Isaac. In addition to the signatures of the two witnesses, the groom's signature appears on the opposite side of the document in Italian.

Archives or Manuscripts / Images

July 14, 2011

Ketubah, Florence, Italy, 1883. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Ketubah, Florence, Italy, 1883. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Ketubahs - Italy - Florence - 19th century.