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| "Italian Jewish Art" At the U. Nahon Museum Italy and Judaism are strictly intertwined, "Jewish" being the cultural model and source of inspiration, and "Italian" the artistic forms by which this model expresses itself  The period during which Jewish art in Italy expanded and flourished extends from the end of 15th century till the end of the 19th century, with the most remarkable handicrafts dating from the Renaissance and Baroque period. The reason for these limits in time is that during the Middle Ages and the 15th century itself, Jews were persecuted in Europe. Accordingly, we do not find many artworks prior to the 10th century and only a few of them dating from the 15th century: if they existed, they have been destroyed. Only a few Hanukkah lamps have been preserved. Later, during the period of the "haskalah", during the 19th century, Jews were trying to assimilate into the societies in which they were living, partially or totally neglecting their cultural and religious heritage. Therefore, we do not find any outstanding artistical production during this period. As the center of spiritual life in Judaism is the Torah and its commandments, we should not be surprised to find many objects connected to religious life and observance of the commandments. Both communal and individual life are marked by religious acts, following the cycle of the Jewish festivals and the great events of life: birth (brit milah), bar mitzvah, marriage, death. In Jewish life there is no clear-cut distinction between everyday life and religious life, so that basically every action has a religious meaning . We can therefore find otherwise common objects like dishes, basins, or glasses utilised as religious items, e.g. the basin for the ritual washing of the hands, or the special cup used on Sabbath for the Kiddush (blessing on the wine). This also explains why they were manufactured using precious metals or fabrics. A central position in the artistic production is occupied by all sorts of textile decorations for the Torah scrolls. A typical feature of Italian Jewish art is the fusion of ancient and traditional motifs like the seven branch candelabra (menorah), the star of David and other characteristic elements of the Jewish tradition with the prevailing style of the period in which the handicraft was created. Besides that, we have to take into account that due to the widespread prohibition given to the Jews of working in craftmanship,most of the objects were commissioned to non-Jewish artisans that were influenced by their personal taste and skills. The most important metal utilised in the fabrication of the different handicrafts is silver. During the 18th century this was due mainly to the decrease in the price of this metal, but also because it was the favourite material of the European "bourgeois" in the same period. Often the silver belonging to a certain Jewish family closely followed the destiny of its owners... being melted, hidden, or sold to obtain money for use in exchange for the life of the family members during times of persecution.. About the Museum Museum Highlights: The Cycle of the Year Museum Highlights: The Cycle of Life Museum and Synagogue opening hours Back To The Top
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