Wrocław Passover Haggadah

Long after Gutenberg's printing press had become established, Jewish book illumination experienced a new heyday in the German-speaking regions of the 18th century. It was an expression of the social advancement of many Jews, but also of the unbroken tradition of the venerable profession of Torah scribes. Many wealthy patrons wanted traditionally produced, handwritten, and illuminated books, especially when it came to religious works. One of the most beautiful examples of this period is undoubtedly the Breslau Passover Haggadah, which has been preserved to this day in its ornate stamped leather binding with colored, flowering scroll ornamentation. The successful Silesian illuminator and scribe Natan ben Abraham Speier was responsible for this gem of Jewish book culture, providing it with a wonderful title page and 18 large, sometimes almost full-page miniatures. They depict classic Haggadah iconography, but also rare motifs such as the prophet Habakkuk miraculously providing Daniel with bread in the lions' den.