Seligmann Haggadah

Eliezer Seligmann (1756–1809) was a Jewish book artist from Rosheim in Alsace who later became administrator of the Lemle Moses Klaus synagogue in Mannheim
In 1779, he created an elaborate Haggadah manuscript made of paper and parchment for a widow named Lea, who lived in Neckarsulm
Fourteen half-page miniatures of delicate beauty accompany the traditional texts for the Seder, which commemorate the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt

Seligmann Haggadah

Manuscrit 5988 Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire (Strasbourg, France)

Description

Seligmann Haggadah

The Seligmann Haggadah is a wonderful testament to the heyday of Jewish manuscript culture in the 18th century, which was encouraged by the social advancement of many Jewish families in Europe. As was customary for many of its handwritten contemporaries, the picture program of the illuminated Haggadah manuscript is based on the famous copperplate engravings of the printed Amsterdam Haggadah and other biblical series of copperplate engravings – not only iconographically, but also stylistically. The 14 half-page miniatures are characterized by delicate lines, high precision, and washed color application, giving the overall style a very graphic, almost copperplate-like appearance. The talented book artist responsible for this artwork was Eliezer Seligmann (1756–1809) from Rosheim, Alsace. He created the elaborate Ashkenazi Haggadah made of paper and parchment in 1779 for a widow named Lea, who lived in Neckarsulm near Heilbronn and later bequeathed the manuscript to her beloved daughter.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Haggada du scribe Éliézer Seligmann de Rosheim
Die Haggada von Eliezer Seligmann von Rosheim
Haggada par Seligmann de Rosheim
Type: Manuscript on paper and parchment
Size / Format: 42 pages / 29.0 × 19.0 cm
Origin: Germany
Date: 1779
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Hebrew
Genre: Haggadot
Language: Hebrew
Yiddish
Script: Ashkenazic Square Script, Cursive
Illustrations: 14 half-page miniatures and a border surrounding the first page
Content: Blessings, prayers, psalms, and narrative texts for Passover Seder
Patron: Lea, Widow from Neckarsulm
Artist / School: Eliezer Seligmann (scribe and illustrator)

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Haggada du scribe Éliézer Seligmann de Rosheim

Presses Universitaires de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, 1998

Publisher: Presses Universitaires de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, 1998

Commentary: 1 volume by Thérèse Metzger, Mendel Metzger, Bloch, Joseph, Selig Pinchas Bamberger, René Gutman, and Robert Weyl
Language: Hebrew, French, German

The commentary volume includes both a German and a French translation of the Hebrew text, as well as prefaces by Rabbi René Gutman and Robert Weyl.

Facsimile Copy Available!

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Seligmann Haggadah