Artistically Illustrated Manuscript – By Yaakov Yisrael Montefiore – Questions and Answers for the Shochet and ...

Artistically Illustrated Manuscript – By Yaakov Yisrael Montefiore – Questions and Answers for the Shochet and Bodek – Ancona, Italy, 18th/19th Century
Artistically illustrated manuscript, laws of Shechita and Bedika (ritual slaughter and inspection), created by the artist Yaakov Yisrael Montefiore. [Ancona, late 18th century or early 19th century]. Hebrew and Italian.
The manuscript was prepared for "The esteemed Yitzchak son of the elderly R. Yehuda of Pacifico, from the city of Ancona", as is stated on the two title pages. Includes two compositions: "Laws of Shechita – in questions and answers, and their Italian translation" and "Laws of Bedika – with questions and answers, and their Italian translation". The compositions contain a summary of these laws, in form of questions and answers, in Hebrew and Italian alternately.
Each composition has its own title page, illustrated with masterly drawings. The artist signed his name at the foot of each title page: "Created by Yaakov Yisrael son of Yosef Chaim Montefiore".
The first title page features an illustration of two roosters, and the second title page depicts a horned animal. The leaf following the second title page contains a color illustration of a lung.
At the end of the second composition are two pages with color charts, intended to aid in the inspection of lungs (see in this work, pp. 74-76, list of "invalid appearances"). The charts are ornamented in Rococo style with seashells, rocaille and Acanthus leaves.
Every page is delineated with a square border.
The artist, Yisrael Yaakov Montefiore (b. 1748), was a member of the Montefiore family living in Ancona (the Italian branch of Sir Moses Montefiore's family). An illustrated calendar he produced was sold in the past in Kedem (Auction 25, item 10).
[2], 1-23 pages; [2], 1-89, [2] pages + [12] blank leaves. 18 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains, dampstains. Tears from ink corrosion to borders of some leaves, repaired. Fine, early leather binding, with gilt blocking.