Auction 31 - Jewish and Israeli History and Culture

Handwritten Legal Document Concerning Abuse of a Jew – Bologna, 1411

Opening: $1,500
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Legal document handwritten on parchment. Varignana, Bologna, August 10, 1411. Latin.
Conviction and claim to investigate Galeotto Bonicami accused of provoking a struggle and causing physical injury to a Jew named Guglielmo (son of the late Sabbatino) and to Mrs. Margaitta (wife of Paolo Gerardi). This decree was inscribed by the public notary of Bologna, Donato (Doni) son of the late Andreotto Geraffi, in the office of the local priest in the presence of four witnesses. The text includes Guglielmo's claim against Galeotto son of the late Bartolomeo Bonicami who caused a serious fight in the course of which he attacked the Jew Guglielmo, threw stones at him and hit his nose. The stones thrown hit Mrs. Margaritta who stood nearby, in her head. The notary finalizes the order by asking that the accused be punished immediately and pay a fine of one hundred gold coins.
[1] Parchment leaf, 44 cm. Good condition. Folding marks. Minor tears and stains at borders. Attached is a translation of the document into Italian and Hebrew.
Italian Jewry
Italian Jewry