Esther scroll, Padua, Italy, 18th century

Parchment scroll richly illuminated in seventeen columns, on ivory roller carved with decorated head and fluted handle. Above panels, framed with twisted columns, sit allegorical female figures of the Fountain, the Sea, War, Force, Justice, Music, Abundance, with Esther and Mordechai. Vignettes illustrate scenes from the Book of Esther. It is most probably a copy of the Megillah of Fr. Grisellini (2nd half 18th Century) of Venice.