Wimpel commemorating the birth of the infant boy Moshe (Maurice) Ulmann. [Probably Alsace / France], February 1884.
Ink and paint on linen fabric.
Richly decorated "wimpel". Consists of four sheets of cloth of identical size, sewn together. The following inscription appears in the center (Hebrew and French): "Moshe son of Yisrael Ulmann (Maurice fils de Jsidor Ulmann) born on Sunday, the 28th of Shevat 5644 [1884] …".
This wimpel is adorned with more than 50 hand-painted illustrations, covering most of its surface, giving it a magnificently colorful richness. The illustrations bear a variety of themes and motifs, including animals (birds, butterflies, fish – the latter, Pisces, being the Zodiac sign of the newborn child – as well as a lion, an antelope, a deer, and other creatures); musicians (playing the cello, violin, trumpet drum, accordion, and other instruments); angels; illustrations of biblical scenes, with emphasis on themes related to Moses (in connection to the child’s Hebrew name, "Moshe"), specifically the figures of Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh’s daughter discovering Moses on the Nile, the Exodus from Egypt and crossing of the Red Sea, Adam and Eve, and more; and illustrations depicting various mitzvot or the cycle of life, including learning Torah, a woman lighting a Sabbath lamp, a feast (Purim?), a Chuppah, and more.
360X22.5 cm. Overall good condition.
