Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland
Zürich, Braginsky Collection, S7, f. recto_006 – Megillah Esther (מגילת אסתר) / Esther Scroll
Manuscript title: Zürich, Braginsky Collection, S7: Megillah Esther (מגילת אסתר) / Esther Scroll
Manuscript summary: 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.
Origin: Alsace (France)
Period: second half of the 18th century
Image source: Zürich, Braginsky Collection, S7: Megillah Esther (מגילת אסתר) / Esther Scroll (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/list/one/bc/s-0007).
Zürich, Braginsky Collection, S7, f. recto_006 – Megillah Esther (מגילת אסתר) / Esther Scroll
Manuscript title: Zürich, Braginsky Collection, S7: Megillah Esther (מגילת אסתר) / Esther Scroll
Manuscript summary: 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.
Origin: Alsace (France)
Period: second half of the 18th century
Image source: Zürich, Braginsky Collection, S7: Megillah Esther (מגילת אסתר) / Esther Scroll (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/list/one/bc/s-0007).