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North French Hebrew Miscellany

North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)

Northern part of France — 1277–1286

Pentateuch, Haggadah, but also legal treatises: a large number of beautifully illuminated Hebrew texts as a treasure trove of Jewish culture in the Middle Ages

  1. This 13th century Hebrew manuscript assembles a true treasure trove of medieval Jewish culture

  2. The texts range from the Pentateuch, to a prayer book with the Haggadah, legal treatises, and poems with calendars

  3. All of these Hebrew texts were accompanied by and illustrated with gorgeous miniatures and initials

North French Hebrew Miscellany

Add. Ms. 11639 British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
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Description
North French Hebrew Miscellany

This Hebrew manuscript from the collection of the British Library in London assembles a true treasure trove of medieval Jewish culture: an exceptional variety of texts both biblical and profane, from the Pentateuch, to a prayer boots with the Haggadah, to legal treatises, and poems with calendars. All of these Hebrew texts were accompanied by and illustrated with gorgeous miniatures and impressive visual decoration. The manuscript, originating from northern France at the end of the 13th century, additionally shines because of the numerous names that are associated with its history! One of the most opulently decorated Jewish manuscripts from northern Europe!

North French Hebrew Miscellany

This Hebrew manuscript from the collection of the British Library in London assembles a true treasure trove of medieval Jewish culture: an exceptional variety of texts both biblical and profane, from the Pentateuch, to a prayer boots with the Haggadah, to legal treatises, and poems with calendars. All of these Hebrew texts were accompanied by and illustrated with gorgeous miniatures and impressive visual decoration. The manuscript, originating from northern France at the end of the 13th century, additionally shines because of the numerous names that are associated with its history! **One of the most opulently decorated Jewish manuscripts from northern Europe!

Elegant Miniature Decoration

King David with the harp, King Solomon reading, Esther and Ahasver people the splendid miniatures of the North French Hebrew Miscellany. Additionally, one finds other biblical scenes, e.g. the Binding of Isaac, and numerous symbolic depictions. The marvelous miniatures were presented in unusually round, golden frames or in typical rectangular depictions, sometimes in two or more registers. These wonderful, elegant compositions were presented before an ornamental background, which put the focus on the events.

Initials and Ornamentation

Aside from these wonderful miniatures, the decoration of the splendid manuscript consists of countless initials. Dogs, birds, and mythical creatures staff the pictures, e.g. a pelican with its young in the nest. The pages of text are also fancifully designed with exuberant ornamentation. Two pages with depictions of the heavenly body and a row with the zodiac signs round out the grandiose artistic décor of the manuscript – accentuated with rich gold leaf and silver.

The Genesis of the Manuscript

The high-quality miniatures originate from various workshops in St. Omer and Paris. The biblical illustrations are attributed to the Master of Méliacin and the school of the Honoré-Master** (active in Paris 1283–85). These paintings adorn and illustrate the contents of the 1494 page manuscript, both religious and profane texts alike: the Pentateuch, Haftarot, Tiqqun Sofrim, five scrolls, a prayer book for the entire Haggadah, legal treatises, poems, calendars, and the Book of Tobit in Hebrew. A dating of the manuscript to the period between 1277 and 1286 is possible through two hints: it contains the earliest copies of the Sefer Mitzvot Kattan by Isaac de Corbeil, composed in 1277, and a reference to Yehiel de Paris, who died in 1286.

Owners Mentioned by Name

Numerous indication of earlier owners can be found among the texts and the wonderfully artistic decoration of the Hebrew manuscript. A scribe named Benjamin immortalized himself in the colophon. Additionally, it is marked on fol. 745 that a certain Samuel ben Hayyim sold the manuscript to Abraham ben Moses of Coburg. A few additional hints pointing to other owners in the 15th century can also be found.

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Nordfranzösische hebräische Sammlung
Size / Format
1,494 pages / 16.0 × 12.0 cm
Origin
France
Date
1277–1286
Style
Hebrew
Language
Hebrew
Illustrations
Numerous full-page miniatures. Gold and silver metal leaf applied in a special hand process to a raised surface on 611 pages, powdered gold applied elsewhere as it appears in the original.
Artist / School
Previous Owners
Samuel ben Hayyim
Abraham ben Moses of Coburg
Rabbi Abraham b. Michael
Rovigo family
Barberini family
M. Reina of Milan
Maison Silvestre in Paris
Payne & Foss
Frederic Madden
Available facsimile editions:
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
#1 The North French Hebrew Miscellany
Facsimile Editions Ltd. – London, 2001
Limited Edition: 330 copies
Single Page

North French Hebrew Miscellany

Esther Before Ahasuerus

The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the events of the Book of Esther, in which a beautiful girl saves the Jewish people after the she wins the heart of the Persian King. Here we see King Ahasuerus as he holds out his scepter to Esther, who has risked her life by entering the court uninvited to intercede on behalf of her people.

The scene is depicted using the contemporary fashions and architectures of 13th century France and is exemplary of illumination from this time and place: elongated figures with serene faces, a color palette dominated by red and blue, a finely patterned background, and the refined use of gold leaf. An early attempt at perspective can be observed in the King’s throne, which is slightly turned out toward the beholder.

North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Facsimile Editions

#1 The North French Hebrew Miscellany

Facsimile Editions Ltd. – London, 2001
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
North French Hebrew Miscellany – Facsimile Editions Ltd. – Add. Ms. 11639 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Photos with courtesy of the publisher

Publisher: Facsimile Editions Ltd. – London, 2001
Limited Edition: 330 copies
Binding: The binding is based on that of the original manuscript: Dark brown calfskin binding with 23-carat gold tooling, which integrates the heraldic symbol of the Barberini family, bees, into the ornamentation (the original manuscript was once owned by the family). The central gold-tooled medallion depicts Jacob's Ladder. The facsimile and the commentary volume, bound in luxurious white parchment, each come in their own handcrafted linen-covered leather slipcase. Smooth dark brown calfskin binding reproducing the original, with 23-carat gold tooling on the central medallions and edges, including Jacob's Dream and the Barberini bee escutcheon, and blind tooling on the spine. The commentary volume to this facsimile edition provides a survey of the historical setting in which the manuscript was conceived and produced, a thorough examination of the illustrations and illuminations, including their iconography, a detailed description of all 84 groups of texts, a study of its provenance and of the ink, parchment, pigments and binding materials used to create this masterpiece. A full index and glossary completes the commentary volume. Eminent scholars in the field of Hebrew manuscripts and French history have contributed to this. It is printed on 90 gsm watermarked Fabriano Ingres and bound in white vellum to complement the facsimile. The commentary is printed on watermarked Fabriano Ingres paper (90 g/m²).
Commentary: 1 volume by Jeremy Schonfield, Michel Garel, Diana Rowland-Smith, Malachi Beit-Arié, Yael Zirlin, Ilana Tahan, and Raphael Loewe
Language: English

The scholarly commentary volume introduces the context in which the manuscript was created, examines its illumination and elucidates its iconography, explains all the texts it contains, provides information about the manuscript's provenance, and analyzes the materials used in its production. An index and glossary conclude the volume. The authors are among the most respected experts on Hebrew manuscripts and French history.
The commentary volume has been produced to the highest quality standards and is printed on 90 g/m2 Fabriano Ingres paper with a watermark.
Complete color reproduction of the original “North French Hebrew Miscellany” at its original size. The facsimile aims to reproduce the original’s appearance, feel and physical characteristics as faithfully as possible. The pages are trimmed to the original format. The binding may differ from the original’s present-day binding.
Facsimile Copy Available!
Price Category: €€€
(3,000€ - 7,000€)
Inquire current price here or ask a different question
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