Art & Design S.

1 total work

From Court Jews to the Rothschilds, 1600-1800

by Vivian B Mann and Richard I Cohen

Published 13 August 1996

A study that examines the role of Jews as agents in the service of many kinds of patron, from local nobles to emperors. In addition to collecting and commissioning precious jewellery and works of art for the court, they provided all manner of goods, including military equipment and supplies. Many Jews also made important contributions to architecture by financing and implementing large building projects. Court Jews often became powerful members of society, some of them adopting the lifestyles, dress and architecture of their patrons, while remaining true to their religious origins. This book charts the development of the Court Jew and includes short biographies of outstanding figures - among them several women such as Glikl of Hameln and Esther Lieberman - with an account of their achievements and their relationship to Jewish communities and to general society.