Unique Three Dimensional "Pop-up" Engraving - Diorama of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam

Unique Three Dimensional "Pop-up" Engraving - Diorama of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam
A "pop-up" engraving (diorama) depicting the inauguration of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam. [Martin Engelbrecht, Augsburg, ca. 1730].
Engraving; watercolor; paper and cardboard gluings.
A unique "pop-up" engraving, colored by hand, depicting the inauguration event of the Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam (inaugurated in 1675); most probably the engraving was created by I. Wachsmuht.
This diorama is made of six layers: each layer consists of an engraving (apparently the engravings were printed especially for this diorama), mounted on a cardboard sheet. The cardboard sheets are connected with gluing of folded papers permitting the positioning of the diorama vertically, which creates the three-dimensional effect.
The first layer portrays the synagogue front; in the second layer appear the title "Temple des Juifs / Juden Synagoge" and some of the congregation members - men, women and children - while a Torah is removed from the ark; seen in the third layer are worshippers with Tallit on their heads; the fourth layer portrays the "Bimah", the cantor and a group of worshippers praying; the fifth layer depicts a group of worshippers dressed elegantly, drinking wine, and by them another Torah Scroll; the sixth layer portrays an open ark.
20.5X18 cm (folded). Good overall condition. Lacking several small pieces.
Exhibited: Sanctuary & Synagogue, The Experience of the Portuguese and Ashkenazic Jews in Amsterdam, JTS library, New York, October 1998- January 1999.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Simon Cohen.