A traditional Jewish marriage contract. An attractive example of a traditional Jewish marriage contract, fully manuscript and elegantly decorated with fine colours and liquid gold.

The present wedding was celebrated on Wednesday the 12th of the month of Av, year 5490 of the Jewish calendar (1730), in the province of Massa and Carrara, Italy, between Gabriele son of David Vitali and Grazia, daughter of Isaac Piza. The Province of Massa and Carrara [or Massa-Carrara] is in the Italian region of Tuscany. It is named after the two main towns in its territory: Carrara and the capital, Massa; there is evidence that Jews have lived in Tuscany since the Early Middle Ages. Although Florence and Pisa had the largest Jewish populations, many of the smaller towns were also home to significant Jewish communities. The province of Massa-Carrara is located not far from the city of Livorno, which saw an influx of Jewish settlers at the turn of the sixteenth century because of the 'Livornina Law', which granted them freedom of worship.

The Ketubah is a nuptial agreement signed by the groom and presented to the bride as part of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. It formalises the duties and responsibilities of the groom towards the bride, including some basic obligations such as sustenance (food and clothing), marital relations and compensation in the event of divorce. The Ketubah is read aloud during the wedding ceremony, signed by two witnesses and usually handed to the mother of the bride for safekeeping. Ketubot are often hung in the home of the couple, as a reminder of their vows and mutual marital responsibilities.

Ink and gouache on vellum, (76.5 x 53.5 cm). Framed and glazed.