Bidspirit auction | Amsterdam Haggadah with Illustrations and

Amsterdam Haggadah with Illustrations and Map of Eretz Yisrael 1712 * Spectacular Haggadah with striking copperplate illustrations and a detailed map of the borders of Eretz Yisrael. This is one of the most beautiful and impressive Haggadahs ever printed! The present Haggadah boasts 17 copperplate illustrations that span a half-page or more each, initialed letters, a full-page illustrated flyleaf, and a large folded map delineating the borders of Eretz Yisrael and its division among the tribes. This Haggadah is the work of famed Jewish artist Avraham HaGer (the convert). In 1695, the first illustrated Haggadah was printed by the Amsterdam Jewish press, instigating a revolution in the creation and printing of illustrated Haggadahs. Less than 20 years later, in 1712, this Haggadah was reprinted to include important changes and new illustrations (see the report on the current printing by B. Ruth, HaHaggadah Hametzuyeret B'dfus, Areshet, vol. 3, p. 24). The renowned Jewish artist Avraham Bar Yaakov , whose printed autograph appears in the corner of the map, was a righteous Jewish convert. Originally a priest from the German Rhineland, he journeyed to Amsterdam, where he converted, underwent circumcision, and acquired the Jewish name of Avraham Bar Yaakov. In a short time, he gained renown among the community as a talented artist and expert engraver who illustrated many title pages of sefarim, drew portraits, and illustrated books. Content of Haggadah:  Haggadah shel Pesach with commentaries by the Abarbanel, Ma'asei Hashem, Matteh Aharon, and Chevel Bnei Yehuda with instructions in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino. Amsterdam, 1712. Shlomo Propes Press. Page Count: [1] 31 leaves + folded leaf of map. Page Size: 30 cm. Two title pages; the first with a copper illustration. Map size when open: 30 x 49 cm. Condition: Numerous typical wine stains, primarily around Kiddush, Birkas Hamazon, and the Ten Plagues section (where wine is traditionally dripped from the finger). Transparent reinforcements on the edges of the pages. Small margin restoration on two leaves. Leaf 20 is bound out of order. An attractive antique binding with a leather spine (minor rubbing on the edges). Bibliography: Otzar HaHaggados #120.