Auction 1 - Rare Hebrew Books, Manuscripts & Rabbinic Letters
Lot 47:
Description
Italy, seventeenth century.
A finely executed manuscript preserving a special prayer to be recited upon visiting the cemetery on Tishah be-Av, attributed in the heading to ” החכם השלם כמהר״ר שמואל ארקיולטי יצ״ו” (R. Samuel Archevolti, 1515-1611). Intended for use during one of the most poignant moments of the liturgical year, the prayer accompanies the long-standing custom of visiting the graves of relatives and distinguished scholars on the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple, beseeching Divine mercy while reflecting upon exile, mourning, and redemption.
Unlike prayers incorporated into the standard siddur, occasional devotional texts of this kind frequently circulated independently in manuscript, copied for personal use and often preserved in small portable formats. The present example, attractively bound and carefully written, appears to have been prepared as a self-contained booklet for repeated use on Tishah be-Av.
Particularly attractive is the decorative penwork concluding the text, lending an elegant finish to this otherwise modest devotional manuscript. A contemporary Italian ownership inscription on the rear endleaf further situates the manuscript within its historical milieu.
Manuscript on two leaves, elegantly bound in contemporary leather. Light staining to the opening leaf. Decorative pen flourish concluding the text. Contemporary Italian ownership inscription on the rear endleaf.
Condition: Excellent condition. Two leaves. Contemporary leather binding. Light staining to the opening leaf. Decorative pen flourish at conclusion. Contemporary Italian ownership inscription on rear endleaf.
References: Zunz, Die Ritus des synagogalen Gottesdienstes (on Tishah be-Av customs and cemetery visitation); EJ, s.v. “Tisha Be-Av”
Opening price: $750
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