Decorated parchment ketubah, for the wedding of Avraham son of Moshe son of Avraham Mashiach and Luna daughter of Yosef son of Yehudah Attar. Gibraltar, 15th Cheshvan 5587 [November 15, 1826].

Ink and paint on parchment.

Ketubah on rectangular parchment sheet. The ketubah text appears in the center in cursive Sephardic script, with signatures of the groom (in the center) and the witnesses: "Shalem Aflalo" (a rabbi of Gibraltar) and "Moshe Chasan son of Chaim". The ketubah text follows the rite of the Spanish exiles, as noted at the end: "All according to the stipulations, customs and enactments practiced, stipulated and enacted by the communities exiled from Castile, may their Rock avenge them and have grace, pity and mercy on their remnant".

The ketubah text is bordered by a yellow-gold wood-like frame. The wide margins are decorated in symmetrical vegetal patterns, topped by a pair of cherubs (putti) holding a large crown. On the upper margins appear blessings: "With a good sign, auspicious, opportune and favorable time".

The ketubah decorations are reminiscent of other decorated ketubot from Gibraltar in the 19th century, although they also show signs of European influence (usually the flower decorations are arranged in bouquets, and no angels appear next to the crown).

52.5X56.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains, slightly affecting text and illustrations. Fading of ink.