Jews of Modena Italy: 7 Decrees Beginning 1602, From Yellow Star to Emancipation

Collection of seven printed governmental decrees regarding the Jews of Modena, Italy, 1602-1859. Modena, Italy: various publishers, 1602-1859. Various sizes, broadside (the largest measures 17" x 23") to octavo. A few of the larger broadsides show faint fold lines and light foxing. Item #2 with small stain affecting both leaves; item #7 with three tiny holes at center of document. Overall, a superb collection of official documents in extraordinary condition. Rare.

Superb collection of official governmental decrees charting the history of the thriving Jewish community of Modena in Northern Italy, from the stigma of wearing a yellow badge in 1602 to the grant of full emancipation in 1859.

Items #4 and #5 illustrate how quickly the fortunes of the Jewish community could change. After helping the carbonari in their successful coup against the Duke, the Jews were granted full equal rights in a decree issued February, 1831. Just one month later, however, after the Duke had been restored to power, the government published a decree reenacting all former restrictions and imposing a fine against the Jews-presumably to punish them for having helped with the coup.

This superb collection includes, in chronological order:

1. Grida Sopra Gli Ebrei… [Decree enforcing all Jewish males and females from age nine to wear a yellow mark on their hat or clothing. Jews cannot hire non-Jewish servants. Despite these restrictions, non-Jews are not to vilify Jews]. Modena: July 28th, 1602. Small folio, single leaf printed on recto. Woodcut official crest; woodcut initial.

2. Decretum Super Usuris Hebraeorum Foeneratorum totius Status Celsitdinis Suae… [Decree regulating collateral on defaulted loans in the hands of Jewish bankers and money-lenders]. Modena: Juliani Cassiani, 1635. Octavo, two disbound leaves, four printed pages. Woodcut official crest on first page.

3. Notificazione Sopra I Pegni Rubati nel Banco del già Abram Rouighi Ebrao… [Decree regarding a controversy among the heirs of Abraham Rovigo involving liability for collateral securities stolen from the deceased]. Modena: Andrea Cassiani, September 22, 1654. Folio, single leaf printed on recto. Woodcut official crest; woodcut historiated initial.

4. Il Dittatore della Città e Provincia di Modena… [Decree granting full equal rights to the Jews of Modena following a successful coup against the Duke]. Modena: Stamperia del Governo Provvisorio, February 20, 1831. Broadside, printed on recto.

5. Francesco IV. Per la Grazia di Dio. Duca di Modena, Reggio, Mirandola, Massa e Carrara… [Decree retracting the grant of equal rights to the Jews and re-enacting all former restrictions upon the reinstatement of the toppled Duke and a fine imposed on the Jews of Modena]. Modena: Eredi Soliani Tipografi Reali, March 22, 1831. Broadside, printed on recto. Woodcut official crest of the Duke Francesco IV.

6. Il Ministro Dell'Interno… [Decree of the Ministry of the Interior permitting Jews to pay a fine to be excused from the Military Draft]. Modena: Eredi Soliani Tipografi Reali, November 26, 1851. Broadside, printed on recto. Woodcut official governmental seal.

7. Il Minicipio per Provvedimento Straordinario Decreta… ["Full Emancipation" decree, annulling all restrictions and granting Jews full equal rights of citizenship]. Modena: June 13, 1859. Broadside, printed on recto.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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