Decorated Wimpel, Signed by the Artist – Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, 1797

Wimpel (Torah binder), commemorating the birth of the child Yechiel son of Dov Ber Wolfenbüttel. Sandersleben, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, Sivan 5557 [1797].

Ink and paint on linen.

Composed of four nearly identically-sized linen sheets sewn together. At the center, the following inscription appears: "Dedicated by the child Yechiel son of R. Dov Ber / known as Wolfenbüttel / born / under the sign of Gemini / Friday, the eve of Shabbat, 15th Sivan 5557; may G-d let him be raised to Torah, marriage, good deeds, and to a ripe old age, Amen Selah".

The wimpel is richly adorned throughout with vibrant, colorful illustrations – primarily vegetal designs interspersed with a variety of symbolic and decorative motifs, including: a pair of cornucopias, a peacock, urns, a pair of twins (alluding to the zodiac sign Gemini) within an ornate frame flanked by two angels, baskets of flowers, a figure holding floral garlands, a stork and other birds, a decorative frame surrounding the words "G-d", a Torah scroll topped with a crown, a wedding scene with bride, groom, and officiating rabbi in contemporary attire flanked by two horn-blowers, a hand placing a coin in a charity box, and a pair of spectacles. At the end of the wimpel, within a large jug-shaped cartouche, appears the artist's signature: "Moshe HaLevi of Sandersleben".

Height: 19.5 cm. Length: 356.5 cm. Overall good condition. Executed on thin linen. Stains, some dark. Few tears, repaired with old cotton thread. One longer tear (several centimeters) unstitched. Mounted on new, thin linen backing for reinforcement.