Saggio di Caratteri Ebraici– a book for the study of Hebrew calligraphy, with elaborate illustration plates. Giuseppe Vigevano. Mantua, 1824.
A wide format book. Two parts printed in two different printing techniques. The first part was printed as usual, with an introduction and detailed instructions [in Italian] for studying writing, the way to hold the pen, the various types of Hebrew writing [for a Torah scroll, Rabbinical writing, cursive], etc.
The second part of the book is entirely composed of picture plates - copper etchings, with illustrations of letters and decorations of words, done in a high artistic standard. This part has a special title-page in Hebrew and Italian: "Attempt to write in the Holy Language" [Nisyon Ktav Leshon HaKodesh]. Charts with shapes of the letters, directions of drawing the pen while writing, various types of writing [Ktav Ashurit, script, Rashi script], reading sections written in various types of writing [Adon Olam asher malach and chapters of Psalms], way of enunciating the letters, vowels, gematria value of the letters, cycles of seasons and months of the year, etc. The leaves are illustrated and adorned with frames of floral and geometric patterns, incorporated with figures of animals, fowl and angels.
This book is the earliest printed work teaching Jewish calligraphic skills. The book portrays the special emphasis Italian Jews placed on this art and its integral incorporation into the study of Hebrew reading and writing. Moreover, the book presents a perfect example of the art of illustration and of the quality of printing used by Italian Jews at that time.
On the reverse side of the first title page is a printed approbation [in Italian] by Mantova rabbis: Rabbi Moshe Ariani, Rabbi Ya'akov Kasis, Rabbi Shmuel Sinigalia, Rabbi [Elishama Meir] Padovani.
This copy is autographed at the end of the first part by the author Vigevano.
[2], 24, [1] pages. 12 leaves. High-quality paper. Width: 32 cm. Height: 22 cm. Good condition. Stains, few moth holes. Binding with a parchment spine and corners (19th century or early 20th century). The book was originally bound in softcover. It contains the original front cover, with a pasted price leaf. Original back cover missing. New vorzats leaves.