The Decoration of Hebrew Manuscripts after the Invention of Printing

Through an examination of Illustrated 18th century Hebrew manuscripts and decorated Scrolls of Esther we will explore the fascinating evolution of artistic Hebrew manuscript following the invention of the printing press.

This lecture explores the fascinating evolution of decorated Hebrew manuscript following the invention of the printing press. Despite the advent of printed books, Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East maintained a rich tradition of hand-decorated manuscripts for religious purposes. The talk will examine the artistic and cultural significance of these works, highlighting how decorated Hebrew manuscripts remained a vibrant expression of Jewish identity and creativity well into the modern era.Sharon Liberman Mintz is the Curator of Jewish Art at the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Senior International Specialist of Judaica and Hebraica at Sotheby's.

Emile Schrijver is the General Director of the Jewish Cultural Quarter in Amsterdam and Professor of Jewish Book History at the University of Amsterdam.

Registration

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Support

We appreciate your interest in the Grolier Club’s programming on the art and history of the book. For over 130 years we have offered our exhibitions and lectures to the public, free of charge. If you have enjoyed these offerings, and would like to support that tradition, and help ensure that it continues, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Grolier Club.

Accessibility

An ADA-compliant lift from street level to the lobby is available to anyone with mobility issues. All desk staff should be ready and able to assist you in operating the lift, with or without advance notice.

A “T-Coil” assisted listening system is available to anyone attending a lecture in the Exhibition Hall. Visitors with hearing aids should turn their devices to the “T” setting in order to access the system; visitors without hearing aids may request a “loop receiver” with earphones.

Environment

The temperature and humidity in the exhibition hall are tightly controlled for the sake of the valuable items on display, and this may cause the room to feel chilly, particularly in warmer weather, to those coming in from outside. Members and visitors are advised to bring a light wrap when visiting an exhibition, or attending an event in the hall.

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