Ketubah : Rome, Italy, 1797, March 1

Marriage contract, manuscript, ink and paint on vellum, dated 3rd of Adar 5557 at Roma (1797). The geometric ornamental borders on this ketubah differ from the more traditional floral designs found on most Italian ketubot of this period. The scalloped bottom is typical of ketubot from Rome. The Hebrew writing along the border is from the Book of Ruth followed by a series of blessings evoking the patriarchs and matriarchs, and Mordecai and Esther (surprisingly, since the two were not husband and wife). The day of the week of the wedding is written in red ink in a cartouche at the center of the document. The micrography on the lower rounded edge is of the seven blessings recited at the Jewish wedding ceremony.