Frankfurt Passover Haggadah

Long after Gutenberg's printing press had become established, Jewish book illumination experienced a new heyday in German-speaking regions in the 18th century. It was an expression of the social advancement of many Jews during this period, but also of the unbroken tradition of the ancient profession of Torah scribes. In the Frankfurt Passover Haggadah of 1731, these two factors came together to create a particularly original and artistic example of early modern Jewish book art. Its literate and learned scribe and illuminator, Jakob Michael May Segal (d. 1768), illuminated the texts for the Seder with 67 colorful miniatures, some of which can be traced back to the influential Amsterdam Haggadah of 1695. In their beauty and opulence, however, they also reflect the spirit of the Rococo era. The fine calligraphy of the Hebrew-Aramaic Haggadah text, on the other hand, is characterized by great evenness and clarity. It is also accompanied by instructions, most of which are in Yiddish. The manuscript thus provides a wonderful insight into the religious life of wealthy Jews in 18th century Germany.