Torah Ark

An outstanding example of Renaissance furniture, this Torah ark was modified as the tastes and fortunes of Urbino's Jews changed. In 1624, its original stained wood, fluted pilasters, and gilded frieze inscription were painted over. The ark was colored teal blue, gilding was added, and representations of the Tablets of the Law were painted inside the doors. The old inscription was replaced with rhymed verses praising God and requesting deliverance for the community, possibly to celebrate the issuing of ducal decrees favorable to the Jewish community. This Torah ark resembles the wooden cabinetry in the study rooms of the palaces at Gubbio and Urbino that were built for the Duke of Urbino in the late 15th century.