Illustrated Haggadah on parchment. Bohemia,
Circa 1750
Over 50 color illustrations
Haggadah shel Pesach inscribed on parchment and illustrated with over 50 breathtaking drawings, initials and ornamental designs, all hand-drawn by a maestro in the classic style of Moravian artists of the time.
The Haggadah was first written and drawn with Black and Sepia ink, then skillfully colored by hand with vibrant colors.
This manuscript is from the Michael Zagayski collection – one of the most important Judaica collectors of the 20th century.
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Important Provenance:
The title page of the Haggadah features an architectural border with depictions of Moshe and Aharon. At the top of the page, a circular border encloses the inscription: "
This Haggadah is the property of the honorable nobleman… Rabbi Yitzchak Poppers Katz, R[osh] H[akahal]." (See description below.)
Rabbi Yitzchak Poppers Katz – Rosh Hakahal of the Jewish Congregation of Prag
Rabbi Yitzchak Poppers-Katz (d. 1777) was one of the most influential Jewish figures in the Bohemian state and a close confidant of the Noda B’Yehuda, the Rav in Prague. His wide range of talents led him to swiftly ascend in the world of business, and by a remarkably young age, his business dealings extended from Prague to Vienna. He possessed the exclusive right to sew all military uniforms in his country and to sell tobacco. He used his vast wealth to assist his Jewish brethren, distributing fabulous sums of money to charity and earning the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
He recorded his details and stories in the Divrei Hayamim manuscript which is currently in the Columbia University Library
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“And the man multiplied [his wealth] and benefited all with his attributes, until they appointed him as a minister and officer upon the congregation and seated him among the scholars and elders of the community, and he was elevated to the position of leader and community leader.” (Leaf 3a).
The Jewish Museum in Prague features a special exhibit of a paroches that Rabbi Yitzchak Poppers donated in 1775, along with an additional two parochos that his wife donated in his memory in the year 1780.
The flyleaf of the present Haggadah lists that it belonged to his nephew, Rabbi Yitzchak Poppers Katz’s sister’s son,
Rabbi Yaakov Livna of Prague. His name is mentioned several times in the Divrei Hayamim manuscript.
Prestigious manuscripts like this Haggadah were custom-commissioned by affluent Jews, reflecting the status of Roshei Hakahal, or ‘court Jews’, who could afford such luxurious items. This remarkable manuscript, with its unique motifs, undoubtedly rivals some of the most impressive artistic masterpieces created by Moravian artists.
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The Haggadah includes captivating illustrations of various scenes related to its text and literature. The opening words of each section are enlarged and highlighted in red and gold ink.
Order of images:
3 illustrations of families celebrating the Seder night.
Families gathered at the table for a festive meal being served by their servants.
The four sons of the Haggadah, the wise; the wicked; the innocent; and the ignorant.
Avrohom destroying the idols of his father Terach.
The angels informing Avrohom of the birth of Yitzchok while Sara listens from behind the door.
The Jews in Egypt doing slavery work and being beaten by the Egyptian authorities.
Batya, daughter of Pharoh, rescuing Moshe from the Nile.
Moshe, Ahron and Egyptian chartumim standing in front of Pharoh.
Frogs plaguing Pharaoh’s palace.
10 illustrations depicting the ten plagues.
The splitting of the sea.
The Torah revelation at SInai.
Eating of the Korban Pesach (Passover offering).
The Egyptians drowning by the splitting of the sea.
The Bais Hamikdash (Holy Temple).
7 drawings illustrating the song ‘Echad Mi Yodea’.
10 drawings illustrating the song of ‘Chad Gadya’.
Instructions and halachos are written in Hebrew and Yiddish-German. The last pages of the Haggadah include the liturgical poem “Almachter G-tt” and Yiddish translations of the liturgical poems “Echad Mi Yodeiah” and “Chad Gadya.”
Original leather binding with its original leather casing.
Bohemia, 18th Century. Parchment manuscript. Page Count: [31] leaves; 61 handwritten sides. Page Size: 12×17 cm. Condition: Good. Leaf 17a has ink stains; minor creases; original leather binding with original leather case.
Provenance:
Rabbi Yitzchak Poppers-Katz
Rabbi Yaakov Livna of Prague
Klarisse Mose-heles
Michael Zagayski, Park-Barnet Galleries, New York 1970 Lot 98
Yechezkel Toporowich Collection
House Commission on this lot is 18%.
Moravian School of Art
In the 18th century, the art of illustrated manuscripts on parchment resurfaced in Germany. Most of these manuscripts were illustrated by a group of talented traveling artists from Moravia. Thus, the term ‘Moravian school’ was born.
Jewish scribes who ascribed to the Moravian school of art were few in number, but some were quite famous. Among them were Meshulem Zimmel and Aaron Wolf Herlingen.
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