Kaufmann Haggadah

One of the most valuable and famous pieces in the prestigious Kaufmann Collection of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Contains not only 28 full-page miniatures and numerous other illuminations, but also traces of old children's drawings
The gold-embellished images accompany, decorate, and illustrate the prayers, songs, and stories for the Seder

Kaufmann Haggadah

MS 422 Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Budapest, Hungary)

Description

Kaufmann Haggadah

The so-called Kaufmann Haggadah is undoubtedly one of the most valuable pieces in the prestigious Kaufmann Collection of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest. With its breathtaking wealth of images, it captivates every viewer to this day: golden letters sparkle against richly ornamented backgrounds, colorful figures illustrate the biblical stories for the Seder, and imaginative vines are populated by charming drolleries. At the same time, the porous condition of the illumination testifies to the intensive use of the manuscript over centuries. Particularly noteworthy are the traces of children's drawings. Even today, we can still imagine how the images in the valuable codex fascinated generations of children as early as the 14th century, who celebrated Passover with their families and who, perhaps with the help of the wonderful miniatures, were taught the stories surrounding the liberation of the Israelites on other days as well.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: MS Kaufmann A 422
Kaufmann-Haggadah
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 108 pages / 18.5 × 22.0 cm
Origin: Spain
Date: 1350–1360
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Hebrew
Genre: Haggadot
Language: Hebrew
Script: Sephardi square script
Illustrations: 28 full-page miniatures, more than 20 smaller narrative and ritual illustrations, 1 full-page decorated text panel, 2 full-page illuminations made of figurative pen-work, several initial-word panels, and extensive illuminated borders
Content: Prayers, poems and narrative texts for the Passover Seder
Artist / School: Master of the Kaufmann Haggadah
Master of the Second Cup

Available facsimile editions:

Schöck ArtPrint Kft. – Szekszárd, 2025

Limited Edition: 450 copies

Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Budapest, 1957

Limited Edition: 720 copies

Facsimile Editions

#1 The Kaufmann Haggada

Schöck ArtPrint Kft. – Szekszárd, 2025

Publisher: Schöck ArtPrint Kft. – Szekszárd, 2025

Limited Edition: 450 copies

Commentary: 1 volume by Sarit Shalev-Eyni and Nora David
Language: English

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

Facsimile Copy Available!

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