Des justificirten Juden / Joseph Sueß oppenheimers / Geburt / Leben und Tod [The Execution of the Jew Joseph Süß Oppenheimer, Birth, Life and Death]. Hand–colored engraving, depicting scenes from the life of "the Jew Süß". Publisher, place and year not indicated, [Germany, ca. 1738]. German.
The present engraving was originally part of a larger sheet (broadsheet), comprising a brief biography and satirical stanzas describing the story of Joseph Süßkind Oppenheimer in its lower part ("the Jew Süß", 1698–1738). The broadsheet was presumably part of a group of publications circulated shortly after his execution. See also items 233 and 234.
Compare: USHMM, item 2016.184.242; Würtemberg State Library, Stuttgart, item HBFC 6015.
Joseph Süßkind Oppenheimer (1698–1738) was a court Jew, banker and financial advisor to Duke Karl Alexander of Würtemberg. After the Duke's sudden death, Oppenheimer was charged for a variety of offenses: treason, abusing his position and authority for his personal gain, embezzlement of public funds and licentious lifestyle; he was hanged and his body left in a suspended cage for six years (this cage is featured in most engravings depicting his story).
31X21 cm. Fragment (lacking lower part). Overall good condition. Folding marks. Tears, professionally restored. Some stains. Paper residue on verso.
Exhibition:
• Only on paper: Six Centuries of Judaica from the Gross Family Collection, CD, 2005.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 117.011.008.
