Marriage Contract (Ketubah) of David ben Shabettov and Serula bat Samuel, Greece, Thessaloniki, 24 March 1797 CE / 26 Adar 5557, Opaque watercolour and gold on paper and parchment, On loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, 974X409.1

Marriage Contract (Ketubah) of David ben Shabettov and Serula bat Samuel, Greece, Thessaloniki, 24 March 1797 CE / 26 Adar 5557, Opaque watercolour and gold on paper and parchment, On loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, 974X409.1

This Jewish marriage contract (Hebrew, ketubah) details the groom's financial obligations to the bride in the event of divorce or widowhood. Both text and decorative object, designed to be displayed in the couple's home, it belonged to David ben Shabettov and Serula bat Samuel, who were married in 1797 when Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire. Inscribed above the floral arches are the opening words of Proverbs 18:22, "Matsa isha matsa tov…" (He who finds a wife, finds good and obtains the Lord's favour).

Dimensions: 64.5 x 47 x 0.3 cm

Material: Opaque watercolour and gold on paper and parchment

ROM 974X409.1

Greece, Thessaloniki

Photographer credit: Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum

24 March 1797/ 26 Adar 5557

Hebrew

Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

Marriage Contract (Ketubah) of David ben Shabettov and Serula bat Samuel