Bidspirit auction | Kehunat Avraham – Venice, 1719

Kehunat Avraham – Venice, 1719 – Portrait of Author – Six Parts in One Volume – Illustrated Title Pages – Fine Copy - Kehunat Avraham, rhyming commentary on the Book of Tehillim, with Eleh Bnei Keturah – rhyming poetry, six parts, by R. Avraham son of Shabtai HaKohen of Zante. Venice: Bragadin, [1719]. Six title pages (without main title page). Divisional title page for each of six parts, first five parts with illustrations of angels holding horns. Main title page with many illustrations lacking in the present copy. At beginning of book, next to title page of Part I, is an engraved portrait of the author, the physician R. Avraham son of Shabtai HaKohen of Zante, aged 49. Captioned with name, date, age, and other verses and allusions to the author's name, at top and edges of plate. Engraving produced by Italian artist Alexander à Via (signature at edge of plate). R. Avraham son of Shabtai HaKohen of Zante (1670-1729), an Italian Torah scholar, physician, author, philosopher and poet, born on the island Zante (Zakynthos), then part of the Republic of Venice. Studied medicine in the University of Padua. At top of leaf with author's portrait, signature (deleted with ink). [1], 8, 49; 40; 30; 26; 52, [1], 53-64 leaves. Lacking general title page. Leaf 49 of second sequence bound after leaf 40 of third sequence. 18.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Small marginal tears to engraving leaf and several other leaves. New leather binding. Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.