Decorated parchment ketubah for the wedding of Peretz David son of Yitzchak Nissim Chaim Ovadiah [Servadio] and Ricca daughter of Avraham HaLevi. Senigallia, Italy, 14th Tishrei 5603 [September 18, 1842].

Ink and paint on parchment.

Ketubah on rectangular parchment sheet, with upper margins cut into a stylized arch topped by a pointed ornamentation. The ketubah text appears in the center in square script, with the edge containing signatures of the groom and witnesses: Yaakov Chaim Moscato and Avraham Chaim Montebarocci.

Very richly decorated, in a symmetrical pattern, comprising architectural motifs incorporating vegetal illustrations, interlocking wreaths, musical instruments (lyre) and two miniature pastoral landscapes. The bottom third features a large female figure carrying a basket full of flowers.

The present ketubah stands out from other known ketubot of Senigallia for its great beauty and unique miniature landscapes incorporated in its bottom margins.

43.5X77 cm. Fair-good condition. Old moisture damage, mainly visible on verso, but some affecting text and illustrations on front. Old folding marks. Marginal tears and some pieces missing, professionally restored.

This ketubah is also documented on the NLI ketubot site, listing 990003035480205171.

For similar ketubot from Senigallia, see: Shalom Sabar, The Art of the Ketubbah, Vol. I. New York: Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary, 2022, nos. 124-128.