Rare 17th-century Esther Scroll is returned to Ferrara, Italy for Purim exhibition

CAPTION:The coronation of Esther from the Moshe ben Avraham Pescarolo Esther Scroll, Ferrara, 1616. Image courtesy of National Library of Israel.

By JOSHUA MARKS

JNS

A rare 17^th-century Esther Scroll, created in Ferrara, Italy, is returning to the city as part of a new exhibition at the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah (MEIS).

The exhibition, “Beautiful Esther: Purim, A Timeless Story,” explores the biblical heroine Queen Esther and the Jewish festival of Purim through Renaissance paintings, historical manuscripts, and contemporary art.

The scroll, crafted in 1616 by Moshe Ben Avraham Pescarol, is on loan from the National Library of Israel (NLI) in Jerusalem. It is considered one of the earliest known illuminated megillot in which the illustrations actively contribute to the storytelling rather than serving merely as decoration.

“The National Library of Israel is delighted to collaborate with MEIS on this exhibition, allowing the Italian public to view this exceptional piece in its place of origin,” said Oren Weinberg, CEO of NLI. “It testifies to the richness of Italian Jewish book heritage and provides a visually stunning account of Esther’s story.”

The exhibition showcases rare artworks including “Esther before Ahasuerus” (c. 1475-1480) by Jacopo del Sellaio and “Vashti Leaves the Royal Palace” (c. 1475) by Filippino Lippi. It also features an interactive section where visitors can engage with contemporary reinterpretations of the Purim story.

Curated by Amedeo Spagnoletto, Olga Melasecchi, and Marina Caffiero, the exhibition runs thru  June 15.