Material: gold, enamel

Size: 7/8  x  1 3/4 in.

 

First, take a minute or two to look closely at the images above. Write down your reaction to this object--what details do you notice? Why did you pick this object for your response paper? Make notes on things that you notice about it. Also, write down any questions you have about it--what kinds of things would you want to know about this object? Remember the questions we ask in class. You don't need to have answers for these questions yet, but keep them in your notes.

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Once you have some questions written down, try to answer them by reading the information I've provided below about this object and its context.​

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What do we know about this object?​

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art says the following about this object:

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"It is difficult to date and localize the large, ornamented rings that were created for use in synagogues during the wedding ritual. However, there is ample evidence that examples such as this one were exchanged during Italian Jewish weddings. The groom would place it on the bride's finger, but after the ceremony the ring would have been kept as a prized memento by either the family or the temple community. The gable roof—perhaps symbolizing the Temple of Jerusalem—opens to reveal the words "Good Luck."."

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Some things to consider in your response paper:​

• What was your response to this object? What drew your eye? You are encouraged to use first person (I/me) in your response paper. I want to know what you think.

• Consider the artistic details of this object carefully. What kinds of decisions did the artist make when they were creating this piece, and why? You might consider things such as color/material and symbolism (such as the flower, or the roof which might symbolize the Temple of Jerusalem). What does this object tell us about the groom who purchased or commissioned it?

• Why do you think the artist might have put the message "good luck" on this piece? Think about what life was like for the Jewish community at this time in Italy. Put yourself in the shoes of the woman who might have worn this ring on her wedding day. What might her life have been like?