The Esther Scroll, created around 1647 in Amsterdam. This 6.5-metre-long masterpiece was made using ink and printing on vellum. It was created by the prominent Italian engraver Shalom ben Mordecai d’Italia, better known as Salomo d’Italia (ca. 1619-1655). This scroll is not just a rarity, but the only surviving copy of the master’s longest engraved, printed, and signed work.
Salomo d’Italia, born in Italy, became famous in Amsterdam for his talent and unique style. His works, in particular the illustrations for the Book of Esther, have become a symbol of the intertwining of cultures: the Jewish diaspora and the Dutch liberation spirit after the Eighty Years’ War. The scroll reflects this era through a masterful blend of religious narrative and artistic motifs typical of the Dutch Golden Age.
The scroll features repeated triumphal arches decorated with flower urns, as well as small landscape scenes that frame the story of Esther. The main characters – King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, Mordecai and the villain Haman – are depicted in a sequence that emphasises the drama of the biblical story. Technically, the scroll is executed using a single engraving on a copper plate, consisting of four arches that repeat along the parchment, creating a harmonious and impressive composition.
This unique artefact is now housed in the Neumark family collection, where it remains a testament to Salomo d’Italia’s craftsmanship and contribution to Jewish art. On the eve of Purim, when Jewish communities around the world read the Book of Esther, this scroll reminds us of the timeless themes of salvation, triumph and cultural unity that remain relevant today.
The 1647 Esther scroll is not only a historical relic, but also an inspiring example of how art can transcend the boundaries of time and space, uniting people across centuries.
