Auction 73 - Jewish and Israeli History, Culture and Art
Collection of Decrees and Proclamations Issued by Empress Maria Theresa – The Jews of Mantua – Second Half of the 18th Century
Opening: $700
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Collection of broadsides – decrees, proclamations and privileges issued by the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Maria Theresa, concerning the Jews of Mantua. Mantua: Alberto Pazzoni, second half of the 18th century (one broadside from 1746). Italian.
1. A proclamation from March 3, 1746. On the subject of an agreement between the Austrian government and the Jew Samuel Vita Finzi, for supplying 34,500 sacks of grain to the Imperial army within and without the Duchy of Mantua.
2. A proclamation from July 14, 1754. Warning the Jews of Mantua not to throw stones, waste or boiling water on Christians. Published after riots broke out in the Jewish ghetto of Mantua, provoked by the antisemitic song "Gnora Luna". See item 189.
3-4. A proclamation from May 18, 1757. On the subject of evasion of contract taxes. Noting that rabbis must inform the authorities of every transaction by contract. Two copies.
5-6. A proclamation from December 17, 1761. Listing the conditions under which Jews are permitted to employ Christian women: the Christian employee must be above 40 years of age, she is forbidden to stay overnight in Jewish households, she must leave the ghetto before 22:00, and more. Two copies.
7. A privilege from August 17, 1762. 28 clauses regulating the activity of Jewish banks in Mantua.
8. A proclamation from May 3, 1766. On the subject of a lease agreement between the Principality of Bozzolo and the Duchy of Sabbioneta, and merchants Leon Vita and the brothers Finzi (leasing an orchard). Threatens punishment to anybody who uproots trees.
9. A proclamation from January 24, 1764. 24 clauses regarding contract taxes and the requirement to report transactions by contract, with several references to Jews.
10. A decree from June 18, 1768. Reviewing special taxes imposed on the citizens of Mantua in the course of four years, specifying the special tax imposed on the Jewish community.
11. A decree from December 1772. Abolishing all privileges given in Lombardia (presently northern Italy), except for those given to Jewish institutions and communities.
Coats of arms printed on top of some broadsides.
Size and condition vary. Good overall condition.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
1. A proclamation from March 3, 1746. On the subject of an agreement between the Austrian government and the Jew Samuel Vita Finzi, for supplying 34,500 sacks of grain to the Imperial army within and without the Duchy of Mantua.
2. A proclamation from July 14, 1754. Warning the Jews of Mantua not to throw stones, waste or boiling water on Christians. Published after riots broke out in the Jewish ghetto of Mantua, provoked by the antisemitic song "Gnora Luna". See item 189.
3-4. A proclamation from May 18, 1757. On the subject of evasion of contract taxes. Noting that rabbis must inform the authorities of every transaction by contract. Two copies.
5-6. A proclamation from December 17, 1761. Listing the conditions under which Jews are permitted to employ Christian women: the Christian employee must be above 40 years of age, she is forbidden to stay overnight in Jewish households, she must leave the ghetto before 22:00, and more. Two copies.
7. A privilege from August 17, 1762. 28 clauses regulating the activity of Jewish banks in Mantua.
8. A proclamation from May 3, 1766. On the subject of a lease agreement between the Principality of Bozzolo and the Duchy of Sabbioneta, and merchants Leon Vita and the brothers Finzi (leasing an orchard). Threatens punishment to anybody who uproots trees.
9. A proclamation from January 24, 1764. 24 clauses regarding contract taxes and the requirement to report transactions by contract, with several references to Jews.
10. A decree from June 18, 1768. Reviewing special taxes imposed on the citizens of Mantua in the course of four years, specifying the special tax imposed on the Jewish community.
11. A decree from December 1772. Abolishing all privileges given in Lombardia (presently northern Italy), except for those given to Jewish institutions and communities.
Coats of arms printed on top of some broadsides.
Size and condition vary. Good overall condition.
From the estate of Prof. Shlomo Simonsohn.
Jewish Communities
Jewish Communities