ANCIENT AND NEW MENORAHS - 16th Century
This website shows historic menorahs from the sixteenth century. Menorah illustrations from other centuries: Ancient Menorahs until the 1st century, 2nd century, 3rd century, 4th century, 5th century, 6th-10th century, 11th-13th century, 14th century, 15th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century. Coins and Medals
16th century (beginning). Founder's and benefactors' book of Tewkesbury abbey. Fol. 24r: Edward Despenser (d. 1375), nephew of Hugh III, model knight and generous benefactor. In full armour with visor open, wearing fur-lined mantle over heraldic surcoat, he presents a decorative seven-armed candlestick with burning tapers with his right hand and holds his unsheathed sword upright with the other. Place of origin: Tewkesbury, England. Shelfmark: MS. Top. Glouc. d. 2. Source: Link
16th century. The two parchment strips (see images below) appear to be remnants of a lost 16th-century Hebrew pilgrimage scroll, probably brought back from the Holy Land by a Jewish pilgrim. The fragments depict Temple utensils (sometimes called Sanctuary implements) used in religious ceremonies at Jerusalem’s ancient Temple; as well as the recommended itinerary for other Jewish sacred places in the Holy Land. Garrett Hebrew MS. 4. Professor Susan Einbinder, University of Connecticut. Link
1501 / 1506. Nicolaus de Lyra: "Biblie iampridem renouate pars ... / 1: Co[m]plecte[n]s pentateuchu[m] vna cu[m] glosa ordinaria et litterali moraliq[ue] expositione Nicolai de lyra, necno[n] additio[n]ibus Burge[n]sis ac replicis Thorin..." and "Textus biblie: Cu[m] Glosa ordinaria, Nicolai de lyra postilla, Moralitatibus eiusdem, Pauli Burgensis Additio[n]ibus, Mattie Thoring Replicis. Prima pars..." Published in Basel (Switzerland). Bayerische Staatsbibibliothek, Germany. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1505. The Marriage of the Virgin by Vittore Carpaccio (1465-1526, Italian painter of the Venetian school). Oil on canvas; 130×140cm. In the presence of a crowd, the marriage of the Virgin is celebrated inside a church. The girl is kneeling before the priest, ready to combine her life with Joseph, portrayed next to her. The presence of Hebrew writings on the opposite wall covered with precious marbles, and the seven-branched candelabrum suggest that it is the temple of Jerusalem. Source: Link1, Link2
16th century. A wooden menorah, a 7-branched Jewish candlestick, which can be converted into a Christian cross by removing the upper section, from the collection of the Crespo Lopez family exhibited in the 16th century Palacio de los Olvidados or Palace of the Forgotten, in El Albayzin, the medieval Moorish old town of Granada, Andalusia, Southern Spain.Casa Sefardi. Palacio de Los Olvidados, Granada (Spain). Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1510. Textus Bibliae, printed in Lyon. Title: "Textus biblie : Cu[m] Glosa ordinaria, Nicolai de lyra postilla, Moralitatibus eiusdem, Pauli Burge[n]sis Additio[n]ibus, Matthi[a]e Thoring Replicis." Person involved: Conradus Leontorius; Matthias Döring, Matthias; Nicolaus < de Lyra>. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany (Shelfmark 2" Bg 2110-1). Source: Link
1513. Cod. hebr. 137. From the collection of The Hamburg State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky, Hamburg, Germany. Language: Yiddish. Place of writing: Alexandria (Egypt). This photo is only a screenshot from the website of the National Library of Israel. Please see the original website to get better quality. Source: Link1, Link2
1515. Aarhus Cathedral (Denmark). The seven-armed candlestick made by Dirk Kron from Lübeck (Germany). The candelabra first leads the dew-shaped arms up in a quarter circle, only to suddenly move them into the vertical. At the top the thin arms are connected by a crossbar. Photo: Museum für Kunst- u. Kulturgeschichte, Lübeck. Source: Link1, Link2
1515. Latin Bible. Title: "Biblia cum concordantijs veteris et noui testamenti et sacrorum canonum: necnon et additionibus in marginibus varietatis diuer sorum textuum: ac etiam canonibus antiquis quattuor euangeliorum... (Epistola beati Hieronymi ad Paulinum). Printed in Lyon and Nürnberg. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz. Source: Link1, Link2
1516-1556. Title: "Dubbele bokaal waarvan de deksel bekroond wordt door een tempeltje." Double cup whose lid is crowned by a small temple, anonymous, after Cornelis Bos. Grotesque flat decorations with candelabra, mythological figures, fabulous creatures, scrolls and trophies (serial title). Antwerp, Netherlands. Rijksmuseum. Source: Link1, Link2
1517. Biblia vulgare. Italian Bible (Biblia italiano). Publication: Venezia: per Georgio de Rusconi milanese, adi secondo del mese di marzo. Other Author/Name: Malerbi, Nicolò (ca. 1420-1482?), Aristeas, Pontio, Bartolomeo (15th century), Donati, Lamberto (1890-1982). Images Copyright: Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. Shelfmark Inc.II.103. Source: Link
1518. The ark of the covenant, the seven-branched candlestick and the table with the show-breads (Die Bundeslade, der siebenarmige Leuchter und der Tisch mit den Schaubroten). The page first appeared in: "Biblia cum concordantiis Veteris et Novi Testamenti et sacrorum canonum, 1518." Involved person: Erhard Schön (shape cutter), Germany. Dimensions: height x width: 61 x 89 mm (sheet) & 60 x 88 mm (plate). © Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel. Source: Link1, Link2
16th century. Series Title: Old Testament Stories. Image Title: The Ark of the Covenant, with Menorah by Hans Holbein (1497-1543) from Germany. Print, 6 x 8.8 cm. These or similar pictures were used in many Bibles. Holbein also painted portraits of the king of England Henry VIII (1491-1547) and other famous people. Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (A16HOL000520). Source: Link
1519. seven-armed lampstand Menorah in the church in the St. Nicholas' Church, Tallinn (Estonia). The church was founded and built around 1230–1275 by Westphalian (northwestern Germany) merchants, who came from Gotland in the 13th century. Link 3 shows a photo from 1940. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1520. Title: "Predigten" (Translated: "Sermons"). Author: Balthasar Böhm; Location: Rebdorf (Germany). Writing language: East Franconian (Bavarian). Sheet 59r: seven-armed candlestick. Series: "Catalogus codicum manu scriptorum Bibliothecae Regiae Monacensis; Tomus 6". Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München (BSB), Shelfmark: BSB-Hss Cgm 4337. Source: Link1, Link 2, Link 3
1521-22. Latin Bible. Title: Biblia cum concondantiis veteris et novi testamenti et sacrorum canonum, necnon additionibus in marginibus varietatis diversorum textuum, ac etiam canonibus antiquis quatuor evangliorum". Printed in Lyon and Nürnberg. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
16th century (probably 1511). Raphael, Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple, 252 x 416 mm Albertina, Vienna. In this scene, which the Syrian general Heliodorus tries to sack the temple in Jerusalem, his plan is thwarted thanks to prayers of the high priest. Interestingly, in this preliminary drawing, Raphael places the Menorah in a more striking position than in his final fresco in the Stanza di Heliodorus in the Vatican Museums. Vatican. Source: Link
16th century. Anonymous from Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, 1483-1520), an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. This picture shows only a small part of the complete painting with the menorah. First sketch for “The Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple.” Pen drawing, brown ink watercolored. Vienna, The Albertina Museum. Source: Link, Wikipedia: Link1, Link2
16th century. Jesus Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple. Painter: Benvenuto Tisi (or Il Garofalo; ca.1481-1559) was a Late-Renaissance-Mannerist Italian painter of the School of Ferrara. His nickname, Garofalo, may derive from his habit of signing some works with a picture of a carnation (in Italian, garofano). National Galleries of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery. Source: Link1, Link2
1521. Title: The Circumcision. By Giulio Romano (French name: Jules Romain; 1499-1546). Oil on wood transferred to canvas. Dimensions: Height: 115 cm (45.3 in). Width: 122 cm (48 in). Current Location: Louvre Museum. Source: Link
1523. German Luther Bible. Title: "Das Allte Testament deutsch, Pentateuchus", Wittemberg: Lotther. Martin Luther began to work on the OT during the printing of the September Testament in 1522. Part 1 with the complete title page appeared in 1523. It comprised the five books of Moses (Pentateuch; Torah). The title page and the 11 full-page illustrations are probably related to Lucas Cranach the Elder. (1472-1553), without the connections being known exactly. Coburg, P I 3/2. Source: Link
1523-1526. Print maker: Lucas Cranach. The golden menorah and the golden table with the sacrifice of the showbread stand in the tabernacle. On the picture someone later wrote three birds at the bottom and two years (1513 and 1532) noted in pen in brown whose meaning is unclear. Rijksmuseum. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1523. German Martin Luther Bible, Old Testament, Title: "Pentateuchus. Das Allte Testament deutsch." Title page and the 11 full-page illustrations are probably related to Lucas Cranach the Elder. (1472-1553), without the contexts being known exactly. Printed in Wittenberg (Germany) by Melchior Lotter (1470-1549). BSB-Katalog, Coburg, Landesbibliothek, P I 3/2. Source: Link
1524. German Martin Luther Bible. Old Testament. Title: "Das Alte Testament mit fleyss verteutscht" (translated: "The Old Testament translated with diligence"). Printed in Nürnberg. BSB-Katalog -> 2 L.impr.membr. 32-1; VD16 B 2677. Source: Link
1524. Old Testament (Luther Bible): Showbread table, instrument for the libation and seven arms chandelier (Exodus 25:23-40). Creator: Georg Lemberger (b. Landshut 1490/1500 - d. 1540 Leipzig, Germany). Type: Printmaking. Medium: woodcut, colored. Size: Sheet: approx. 17.5 x 11.5 cm Plate: approx. 14.5 x 9.5 cm each. Printed in Leipzig (Melchior Lotter). Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1525. “The Marriage of the Virgin Mary” by Berto di Giovanni (died before 1529). He painted at Perugia from 1497 to 1525. He executed works for the magistrates, and was a member of the guild of that city. He painted with a predella, in the convent of Santa Maria di Monteluce at Perugia. From a series about the life of Mary. Oil on wood, 59 × 55cm. Inv. No. 303. Perugia, National Gallery of Umbria. akg-images. Source: Link1, Link2
1528. German Martin Luther Bible. At that time, attempts were made to indicate the 22 almond blossoms of the Menorah. Title: "Das Allte testament deudsch. Martinus Luther" ("The Old Testament German. Martinus Luther"). Printed in Wittenberg, Publisher: Michael Lotter. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Signatur: Bu 9214; VD16 B 2927. Source: Link1, Link 2
1528-1531. Dutch Vorsterman-Bijbel from 1528/1531 with menorah. The text of the New Testament of Vorstermans first edition 1528 goes back to Luther text but 1531 to the Greek text of Erasmus. Source: Link
1530. French Bible from Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples (1450?-1536, Translator). Printed in Antwerp by Martin Lempereur. Title: "La Saincte Bible en francoys translatee selon la pure et entiere traduction de sainct Hierome..." Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Arsenal, FOL-T-131. Source: Link1, Link2
1530. A rendering of the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, the table with the bread of presence, and other ritual objects. Book Title: "Biblia sacra vtriusque Testamenti: iuxta veterem translationem / qua hucusque Latina vtitur Ecclesia, ex antiquissimis ac recentioribus exemplaribus diligentissime collatis, & sicubi dissentiebant consultis fontibus, hoc est, hebraeis & graecis, voluminibus adhibitis, fidelissime restituta." Author: Peypus, Friedrich (1485-1534), printer. Germany, Nuremberg. Link
1530. Solomon Asks for Wisdom. Title: "Biblia sacra vtriusque Testamenti: iuxta veterem translationem / qua hucusque Latina vtitur Ecclesia, ex antiquissimis ac recentioribus exemplaribus diligentissime collatis, & sicubi dissentiebant consultis fontibus, hoc est, hebraeis & graecis, voluminibus adhibitis, fidelissime restituta. Author: Peypus, Friedrich (1485-1534), printer. Geographical Region: Germany, Nuremberg. Source: Link
1530 and 1535. German Martin Luther Bible, printed in Strassburg (Germany at that time, now France) by Wolff Köphl. (Title: "Die gantz Bibel Alt vnnd Neüw Testament : Register - weiset alle Historien vnd fürnehme sprüch uber beyde Alt vnd Neüw Testament. Jtem auch mitt Zweyhundert Figuren mehr dann vor hien nie jm Truck außgangen seind / Verteütscht durch Doctor M. L. [und Leo Jud]"). Badische Landesbibliothek Karlsruhe. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1531. Zurich-Bible (= Froschauer-Bible). Title: "Die gantze Bibel der ursprünglichen ebraischen und griechischen Waarheyt". Illustrations by Hans Holbein (1497-1543). Printed by Christoffel Froschouer in Zurich (Switzerland). ERARA. Source: Link
1531 and following years. Froschauer-Bible. (Please see the colored menorah image from 1560 below). Language: German. Title: "Die gantze Bibel / der ursprünglichen ebraischen und griechischen Waarheyt nach auffs aller treüwlichest verteütschet". Publisher: Froschauer. Place of publication: Zurich, Switzerland. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4, Link5 - printed 1618 by Johanns Rodolff Wolffen: Link
1533-57. Biblische Historien Figürlich fürbildet (Biblical histories depicted figuratively) by Sebald Beham. Other Editions: "Biblicae Historiae, artificiosissimis picturis effigiatae." Printed in Frankfurt (Francoforti) by Christian Egenolff. BSB, Res/P.o.lat. 1691 m, VD16 B 1475 and VD16 B 1470.
Source: Link1-1533, Link2-1533, Link2-1536, Link3-1539, Link4-1557
1533. Temple devices (German: Tempelgeräte) with menorah. Artist: Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, especially noted for his engravings. Born in Nuremberg, he spent the later part of his career in Frankfurt. He was one of the most important of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making prints in the generation after Dürer. © Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum Braunschweig, Inventarnummer HSBeham AB 3.15rH. Source: Link1, Link2
1533/1534. Bugenhagen Bible. This Low German Bible was printed in Lübeck. It appeared in the same year as the famous Luther Bible (complete ed.). Made by the reformer J. Bugenhagen from Pomerania (Pommern, Germany; but this area since WW2 belongs to Poland). BSB, VD16 B 2840. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1533/1534. German Martin Luther Bible. The first complete edition of the Luther Bible appeared under the title "Biblia, das ist, die gantze Heilige Schrifft Deudsch" in September 1534. For the already translated parts have been revised and improved. The first full Bible was printed in Wittenberg by Hans Lufft (1495-1584). It consists of 850 sheets (1,700 pages), divided into a total of six volumes. Landesbibliothek Coburg, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Germany. Source: Link1, Link2
1533/1534. German Martin Luther Bible (Title: "Biblia: Das ist die gantze Heilige Schrifft"). Printed in Wittenberg through Hans Lufft. In 1534 the first complete Luther Bible appeared. It changed the world history, because it also made the Bible accessible to everyone. This edition has very beautiful images. Google Books. Source: Link
1534. German Martin Luther Bible. Place of publication: Wittemberg, publisher, printer: Hans Lufft. The colourful illustrations make it one of the most beautiful bibles in the world. Title: "Biblia, das ist, die gantze Heilige Schrifft Deudsch. Mart. Luth. Wittemberg. Begnadet mit Kürfurstlicher zu Sachsen freiheit". Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek in Weimar, Shelfmark: Cl I : 58 (b). Source: Link1, Link2
1534. German Martin Luther Bible printed in Wittemberg by Hans Lufft. Title: "Biblia, das ist die gantze Heilige Schrifft Deudsch. Mart. Luth." Part 1. Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg (Germany), Shelfmark: Scrin 110: 1. Source: Link
1534-1599. In addition to the Bibles with color images, many cheap Bibles with black and white illustrations were produced in Germany. The goal was that everyone can buy a Bible. Title: „Biblia das ist die gantze Heilige Schrifft Deudsch. Mart. Luth.“ Printed in Wittenberg by Hans Lufft. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1534. German Martin Luther Bible. Printed in Wittemberg by Hans Lufft. Národní knihovna České republiky, Shelf mark: 26 D 000017/1. Manuscriptorium. Source: Link
16th century. Original Woodcut with menorah. Leaf: approx. 10.1 x 8.3 cm. Source: Link
1534. German Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia: Altes vnd Newen Testament. Ausz Ebreischer vnd Griechischer Spraach gründtlich verteutscht". The Protestant and Catholic Bibles often contained the same illustrations (see Dietenberger Bible 1534 below). Printed in Frankfurt/Main (Franckfurt am Meyn). Regensburg, Staatliche Bibliothek - 999/2Script.356. Bayerische Staatsbiliothek. Source: Link1, Link2
1534. German Catholic Bible by Johann Dietenberger. In the edition of 1550 this illustration was slightly changed or mirrored (see below). This Bible was printed so that German Christians would not read the Protestant Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia, beider Allt unnd Newen Testamenten...". Printed in Cologne (Köllen) by Quentel. BSB, Res/2 B.g.cath. 6, VD16 B 2693. Source: Link1, Link2
1535. German Martin Luther Bible (Biblia, Das ist, die gantze heilige Schrifft Deudsch). Printed in Augsburg (Augspurg), Germany. The Catholic Church later used the same or similar illustrations in their Bibles. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek. Source: Link
1535 and 1542. Dutch Liesvelt Bible. In Antwerp, in 1526, a complete Bible translation was published for the first time in the Netherlands, printed by Jacob van Liesvelt. It was the first reformatory Bible translation in the Netherlands. The following editions contained pictures with the menorah. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1535. The Our Father prayer "Thy will be done" by the painter Paul Lautensack (1478–1558), Germany. Woodcut to Revelation 4-5: God with the 7 Lamps and the 4 Living Beings. In the center, the fourth of the furnishings of the Tabernacle, the menorah, flanked by one of the 7 stars and candlesticks from Revelation 1. In: Mitteilungen der Gesellschaft für vervielfältigende Kunst, 1917. Kupferstichkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, No: KDZ 853. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1535. The Coverdale Bible by bishop Myles Coverdale was the first complete Modern English translation of the Bible with the OT/NT translated from the original Hebrew and Greek. The later editions (1539) were the first complete Bibles printed in England. Postilla-print of the Tabernacle with a mistake, because it contains Dutch and German words 'west', 'nord', 'oost' and 'suiid'. Menorah with 22 almond blossoms. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1536. The court of the tabernacle; with the wash basin and the horned altar, at the centre the Holy of Holies with a menorah and the Ark of the Covenant. Landscape background with a castle. Illustration designed for the Low German Bible printed by Michael Lotther in Magdeburg. Woodcut. Published in: Wittenberg. Print made by: Hans Brosamer. Printed by: Hans Lufft (?). Dimensions: Height: 120 mm, Width: 140 mm. The British Library, number 1848,0304.38. Source: Link
1537. The Triumph of Titus and Vespasian. Artist: Giulio Romano (1499–1546). Medium: Oil on panel. Height: 122 cm (48 in). Width: 171 cm (67.3 in). Current location Louvre Museum, Paris. Source: Link
1537. The English Matthew Bible was first published in 1537 by John Rogers, under the pseudonym "Thomas Matthew". It combined the New Testament of William Tyndale, and as much of the Old Testament as he had been able to translate before being captured and put to death, with the translations of Myles Coverdale as to the balance of the Old Testament. Source: Link
1537. German Catholic counter-bible to Martin Luther from Johannes Eck (Title: "Bibel, alt und new Testament nach dem Text in der hailigen Kirchen gebraucht durch Johann Ecken auf hochteutsch verdolmetscht"). Eck was a great opponent of Luther and wanted him to be punished and excommunicated by the Pope.Printed in Ingoldstadt. The Catholic and Protestant menorahs do not differ. Source: Link
1537. Czech Bible. Title: "Biblij Cžeska... Starý tento, y Nowý Zákon ... wssem wěrným yazyku a národu Cžeského k spasytedlnému wzdělanij..." Printed in Prague (Praha) by Pavel Severýn z Kapí Hory. Moravian Library in Brno, Shelf number: ST3-0037.429,A. Source: Link
1537. Book with Bible images. Title: "Biblicae Historiae, artificiosissimè depictae. Biblische Historien figürlich fürgebildet." Language: Latin and German. Author/Artist: Francofurti Christianus Egenolphus excudebat. Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Arsenal, EST-1265. Gallica. Source: Link
16th century. Series Title: Old Testament Stories. Image Title: Solomon giving oblations to the Lord before the brazen altar. Artist: Hans Holbein (1497-1543) from Germany. Print, 6 x 8.8 cm. Holbein also painted portraits of the king of England Henry VIII (1491-1547) and other famous people. Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (A16HOL000487). Source: Link
16th century. Solomon praying for wisdom (Salomo um die Weisheit betend), after Hans Holbein the Younger. Copyright: Zentralbibliothek Zürich, Graphische Sammlung und Fotoarchiv. Source: Link
1538. Print maker: Hans Holbein (II). Used for the first time in: Biblia Utriusque Testamenti iuxta Vulgatam Translationem, Lyon, M. and G. Trechsel (for Hugo à Porta) 1538. The same illustration was used later in different other books. Material: paper. Measurements: h 60 mm × w 85 mm. Source: Link1, Link2
1538. Pen drawing. 'Castellum quod intravit dominus jhesus'. Very elaborate drawing of castle with five main towers, many windows, arches, chambers, columns, staircases, symbolizing the genealogy and history of Christ and the Jewish people. Above towers, sun, moon and stars with rays. Every space is filled with figures or objects of biblical significance, minutely labelled. Menorah in one of the windows. Author: Joos van den Hecke. Dutch text. Shelfmark: MS. Douce 373. Source: Link
1538. Bologna, Italy. Title: Torah Ohr. Hebrew. Author: Don Yosef Ibn Yechia. The Menorah is built up of letters. Source: Link
1538. Kabbalistic Miscellany. Title: "Elia Chajjim ben Benjamin aus Genazzano, Igeret ḥamudot". Made in Gradoli, Italy. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München, Germany; Shelfmark: BSB Cod.hebr. 112. Source: Link
1538. Bronze chandelier (menorah). Protestant parish church Sankt Marien (Evangelische Stadtpfarrkirche Sankt Marien) in Fürstenwalde (Spree, Germany). Photo date taken: 1920-1940. Bildarchiv Foto Marburg. Source: Link
1539-1540. The "Great Bible" was the first authorized edition of the Bible in English, authorized by King Henry VIII of England to be read aloud in the church services of the Church of England. The book was prepared by Myles Coverdale, working under commission of Thomas, Lord Cromwell, Secretary to Henry VIII. But the Menorah inside the Bible has a big mistake because it has only 6 arms/lamps. Source: Link1, Link2
1540. Bible in Latin. Robert Estienne illustrated with detailed woodcuts of the biblical descriptions of the Tabernacle and menorah. As a Bible scholar/publisher Estienne issued 8 editions of the Bible in Latin, 2 in Hebrew and one in French, in addition to 5 editions of the NT in Greek, another 5 in Latin, and 2 in French. Source: Link
1540. Bible norimberská. Czech bible printed in Nuremberg (Norimberce, Nürnberg) in Germany. Ppublishing house: "Nákladem slowútného Melchara Kobergera spolu Miesstěnijna w slawného [!] města Nornberka". National Library of the Czech Republic. Google Books. Source: Link
1540. German Martin Luther Bible. The Five Books of Moses ("Die fünff Bücher Mose"). Printed in Strassburg by Rihel. WLB Stuttgart, B deutsch 154002. Source: Link
1541. Latin Bible with menorah image. "Biblia insignum historiarum simulachris ... illustrata" (Franciscus Gryphius). A very strange form of the seven-armed candelabrum, because two arms are loctaed below the others. Source: Link
1541. The Dessau Cranach Bible (Dessauer Cranach-Bibel) from the library of Prince George III. von Anhalt (Georg III. von Anhalt-Plötzkau; 1507-1553) is a highlight of German book art. In 1541, the Anhalt princes commissioned the Wittenberg printer Hans Lufft to print single copies of the Lutheran Bible on parchment. The woodcuts were elaborately hand-colored in the workshop of Lucas Cranach (1472-1553) and gold-leafed. Source: Link
1541. German Martin Luther Bible, printed in Wittemberg. In the 16th century various editions with slightly different Menorah illustrations appeared throughout Germany. Title: "Biblia: das ist: die gantze Heilige Schrifft: Deudsch Auffs New zugericht. D. Mart. Luth., Gedrueckt zu Wittemberg Durch Hans Lufft. M. D. XLI., Wittenberg". Printed by Hans Lufft. Landesbibliothek Coburg, Shelfmark: P I 1/10. Source: Link1 Link2 Link3
1541. Many Luther Bibles were printed in the 16th century. The pictures and their colors were often different. Title: "Biblia: das ist: Die gantze Heilige Schrifft: Deudsch, Auffs New zugericht". Printed in Wittemberg. BSB-Katalog, Landesbibliothek Coburg, "Lu Ia 1541,5(1/2)#1" and "Lu Ia 1541,6(1/2)#1." Source: Link1, Link2
1541-1558. German Martin Luther Bible, Title: "Biblia, das ist: die gantze Heilige Schrifft: Deudsch". Printed in Wittemberg by Hans Lufft 1548. Österreichische National-Bibliothek, 568284-D ALT MAG. Source: Link1, Link2, 1545
1541: Low German Bible, Bugenhagen, SWB, Bb niederdt.154102. Source: Link, 1545
1555: Augsburg, Staats- und Stadtbibliothek, 2 Th B VII 55. Source: Link1, Link2
1556: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, 2" Bu 9525-1, VD16 B 2740, Source: Link
1542. German Luther Bible. Title: "Das Alte Testament aufs neue zugericht." Erfurt, Publisher: Wolfgang Stürmer zu den bunten Lewen bei S. Paul. Württembergische Landesbibliothek (WLB), Signatur: B deutsch 154201, Source: Link
1543-64. German Martin Luther Bible, printed in Wittenberg by Hans Lufft. Title: Biblia: "Das ist: Die gantze Heilige Schrifft: Deudsch Auffs New zugericht. D. Mart." Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany (Shelfmark: 4" Bu 9444). Source: Link
1564. HAAB Weimar, Signatur: Ku 2° III Q - 8. Source: Link
1545. German Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia. Das Ist, Die Gantze Heilige Schrifft, Deudsch Auffs New Zugericht, Wittenberg". Archive. Source: Link
1545. German Martin Luther Bible, printed in Wittemberg. In the 16th century, Germany was the land of Bibles; in many cities Protestant and later Catholicism Bibles were printed in high numbers. The Word of God came into the world. Title: "Biblia: das ist: Die gantze Heilige Schrifft: Deudsch, Auffs New zugericht". Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (Bavarian State Library), BSB-ID: 13669053. Landesbibliothek Coburg. Source: Link1, Link 2
1545. German Martin Luther Bible. Hans Lufft, the German printing master, worked 1522-1550 in Wittenberg and 1549-1554 in Königsberg. He is mainly known as the printing master of Luther's Bible. He was the first to receive the printing privilege from Prince Albrecht of Prussia. His publishing house was active until 1554 and published 53 titles. Biblioteka Elblaska (Poland), Signature: Ob.6.IV.185. Source: Link
1545. "De Aetatibus Mundi" Imagines is a literary and pictorial sketchbook. The author of the manuscript and painter of pictures was Francisco de Hollanda (1517-1584). Francisco de Hollanda stayed in Rome, with the Portuguese ambassador from 1538 until 1540. He was a friend of Michelangelo. There were 3 codexes, and the third survives. Biblioteca Digital Hispánica Madrid, Spain, Signatura: DIB/14/26. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1546. Candelabrum Aureum Tabernaculum. In: Latin Bible. France. Robert Estienne (1503?-1559). Title: "Biblia his accesserunt schemata Tabernaculi Mosaici, & Templi Salomonis, quae praeeunte Francisco Vatablo Hebraicarum literarum Regio professore doctissimo..." The seven-branched candlesticks were used to display the biblical 22 almond blossoms. Source: Link1, Link2
1547. Sha'ar HaShamayim. Regarding birds and animals, mountains and hills, nature, the immortality of the soul, and resurrection. By Rabbi Gershon bar Shlomo. Venice, at Meir Yaakov Ish Parenzo. First edition. The author, Rabbi Gershon of Catalonia, was a 13th-century Spanish sage. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1547. Meshal ha-Kadmoni. Author: Sahula, Isaac ben Solomon. Creator: Parentsone, Meʼir ben Yaʻaḳov Strashun, Mathias. Place: Venice (Ṿenetsyah). Publisher: Meʼir ben Yaʻaḳov ish Parents. Parables with moral lessons, written in 1281 by a Castilian Hebrew poet, scholar and Cabalist, as a response to the popular Arabian Nights. To increase its popularity, the book was embellished with miniature woodcuts, making it the first illustrated Hebrew book ever printed. Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1548. The staffs of the twelve tribes of Israel, only the staff of Aaron blossomed. German title: Die Stäbe der zwölf Stämme Israels, nur der Stab Aarons erblüht. Artist: Augustin Hirschvogel. Dimensions: height x width: 312 x 210 mm (sheet). Place of production: Vienna, Wien, Austria. © Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel, Germany; Inventarnummer 26.4 Geom. 2° (6). Source: Link1, Link2
1548. The influence of Luther's work was the reason for the creation of Catholic Bibles. The 'Leuvense Bible' or 'Moerentorf Bijbel' remained the Catholic standard text of the Dutch Bible translation. This work was made by the Leuven Augustine monk Nicolaas van Winghe in 1548. Source: Link
1549. Title page of Ishtori Haparchi's Kaftor Vaferech ("Book of Button and Flower"), a Hebrew idiom derived from the description of the menorah in the Temple (Ex 37:17) and means a "work of art". In the context of the book it refers to the lay of the land. In the first Hebrew book printed on the geography of Palestine, 180 locations mentioned in the Bible and Talmudic literature are identified. Ishtori Haparchi (1280-1355) is the pen name of the 14th century Jewish physician and topographer Isaac HaKohen Ben Moses. Link1, Link2
1549. Czech Bible, Bible Melantrichova, Biblij Cžeská, by Melantrich z Aventina, Jiří (1511-1580 ). "Tento Stary y Nowy Zákon Wytisstěn gest w Menssým Městě Pražském: v Bartholoměge Netholicského nákladem téhož a Giřijka Melantricha Rožďalowského ; we Cžtwrtek przed Kwietnau Nedielj [11.IV.], 1549". Moravian Library in Brno, ST3-0030.270,A. Source: Link (1549), Link (1556), Link (1563)
1549. Woodcuts mostly by Hans Lützelburger after designs by Hans Holbein (1497-1543). Title: "Icones historiarum Veteris Testamenti. The images of the Old Testament lately expressed, set forthe in Ynglishe and Frenche vuith a playn and brief exposition." "Printid at Lyons : by Iohan Frellon, the yere of our lord God, 1549." Folger Shakespeare Library. Early English Books Online, number: STC (2nd ed.) / 3045. Source: Link
1550. The Catholic Church has forbidden German translations. But when the Luther Bible was widespread, the Catholic Church also had to publish its own Bibles to prevent people from reading the Protestant Bibles. Johannes Eck produced a counter-Bible to Martin Luther. Title: "Bibel, Alt vnd new Testament: nach dem Text in der hailigen Kirchen gebraucht". Bayerische Staatsbibliothek. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1550. German Catholic Counter Bible to Luther by Johannes Dietenberger. In the edition of 1534 the same illustration was used, but mirror-inverted (see above). Printed in Cologne (Cöln) by Johann Quentel. ÖNB, MF 5215, Source: Link1, Link2, Link3-1556
1550. The Protestant Luther Bible (left) and the Catholic correction Bible to Luther by Johann Dietenberger (right) use the same illustrations. Sometimes the illustrations were simply mirror inverted, so that Catholic and Protestant Bibles at least differ slightly.
Source Luther, printed in Nuremberg: Link1, Link2, Link3
Source Dietenberger, printed in Cologne: Link1, Link2, Link3
1550-1649. Jewish men in a temple. Life of Simon van Trente (serial title). Original title: "Joodse mannen in een tempel. Leven van Simon van Trente (serietitel)." Interior of a temple with men around a bowl filled with fish. Possibly it concerns the Jewish men who plan the kidnapping of Simon van Trente. In the middle two animals and a menorah. Print maker: anonymous. Place manufacture Italy. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1550. Lampstand (Menorah) and Bread of Presence. Title: "Biblia : das ist, die gantze heylige Schrifft : Deudsch. Auffs new zugericht / D. Mart. Luth." Author: Luther, Martin (1483-1546). Geographical Region: Germany--Nuremberg. Source: Link
1551-1600. The table for the consecrated bread and the seven-branched lampstand menorah (Ex 25:23-40). Printmaking, woodcut, artist unknown. Dimensions: height x width: 114 x 150 mm (sheet) & 113 x 149 mm (plate). Germany, © Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel, Inventarnummer Graph. Res. B: 217.23. Source: Link1, Link2
1551. Latin Bible "Biblia sacra, ex postremis doctorum omnium vigilijs, ad Hebraicam veritatem, [et] probatissimoru[m] exemplarium fidem : cum argumentis, Indice, et hebraicorum nominum interpratationem". Author: Giunta, Jacques ed. Biblioteca Digital Hispanica. Source: Link
1551-1553. German Bible with many images. Title: "Biblia veteris testamenti et historiae Artificiosis picturis effigiata. Biblische Historien, Künstlich Fürgemalet." Printed in Frankfurt/Main by Hermann Gülfferich. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany, P_Drucke_VD16. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1552. Fugger's Venetian Bible Commentaries. Yishai ben Yehiel, Meir, Eliezer. Collection: Germany, Munich, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (BSB), Shelf mark: Cod.hebr. 47, Fol. 266, (Steinschneider 1895, No. 47). Photo: The Center for Jewish Art, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Source: Link
Before 1553. The Blossoming of Aaron's Rod, as in Numbers 17:23. Artist: Augustin Hirschvogel (1503-1553) from Germany. German text from Numeri 17: "Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of them rods, one for each fathers' house... 12 rods... the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel..." Etching. Rosenwald Collection, Accession No.1950.17.115. National Gallery of Art, USA. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1553-1600. Catholic German Bible from Johann Dietenberger. The Catholic Church has allowed only the Latin Vulgate for centuries and severely punished many translators. But the Reformers forced the church to publish its own Bibles to prevent people from reading Protestant Bibles. Title: "Catholische Bibel, das ist, alle Bücher der H. Schrift, beides des Alten und Neuen Testaments". Printed in Köln by Arnold Quentell. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz. Link1 Link2 Link3 Link4 Link5
1553-1583. "Quadrins historiques de la Bible. Reveus, & augmentés d'un grand nombre de figures." Author: Claude Paradin. Language: French. Publisher: In Lion (Lugduni) by Jean de Tournes. Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Réserve des livres rares, RES-YE-1799.
Source: Link1-1553, Link2-1558, Link3-1560, Link4-1583, Link5-1583,
1555. German Martin Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia, das ist die ganze heilige Schrifft. Deudsch. Doct. Mart. Luther. Wittemberg. Gedruckt durch Hans Lufft 1555." This Bible was printed after the death of Martin Luther (1483-1546), but still strictly preserves its processed text. It is also based on earlier editions, especially from the 1550 issue. Manuscriptorium.com, Shelfmark: L-6687 (evidenčné číslo L-6687), Source: Link1, Link2
1555. (Masonic) Drawing for the emblem "Silentio Deum Cole" in the Symbolicarum quaestionum by Achille Bocchi (humanist). Depicts Hermes who mentions silence with the index finger of the right hand brought to his mouth. Hermes is an Olympian god in Greek religion and mythology, the son of Zeus and the Pleiad Maia, and the second youngest of the Olympian gods (Dionysus being the youngest). Washington, DC, National Gallery of Art. Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (I16BON004758). Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1557-1609. Drawn by: Federico Zuccaro. The Dormition of the Virgin, study for a fresco; interior with the Virgin lying on a wooden structure, surrounded by figures including one holding a menorah, several reading and one holding a palm leaf Pen and brown ink and brown wash, heightened with white (partly oxidised), squared for transfer, on brown prepared paper. Dimensions: Height: 349 mm, Width: 271 mm. The British Museum, number 1949,0812.9. Source: Link
1560. Froschauer Bible (Christoffel Froschouer), printed in Zürich, Switzerland. The pictures ware created by Holbein, Hans (1497-1543). Title: "Die gantze Bibel, das ist, Alle Bücher alts und neüws Testaments / den ursprünglichen Spraachen nach auffs aller treüwlichest verteütschet." Language: German. Zentralbibliothek Zürich, VD 16 B 2751, Vischer C 562. Source: Link1, Link2
1560. Woodcuts by Virgil Solis (Wikipedia). Titel: "Biblische Figuren des alten vnd Newen Testaments gantz künstlich gerissen" ("Biblical figures of the Old and New Testaments torn quite artificially"). Printed in Frankfurt (Franckfurt) am Main by Zephelius. VD16 S 6973. Source: Link1, Link2, ÖNB, 27.R.16, Link2
Edition 1562 (VD16 S 6974): Link1, Link2, ÖNB, 27.Nn.97
Edition 1565 (VD16 ZV 24348): Link1, Link2, ÖNB, 19.R.30
1560. Beautiful Luther Bible with many very colored pictures and a Menorah image that is different from other Bibles. Title: "Biblia Das ist Die gantze Heylige Schrifft Teutsch : Sampt einem Register vnd schönen Figuren / D. Mart. Lut." Printed in Frankfurt am Main (Franckfurt am Mayn) by Dauid Zephelium, Johann Raschen and Sigmund Feyerabend. Badische Landesbibliothek Karlsruhe, Germany. Signatur 42 C 38 RH. Source: Link1, Link2
1560. German Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia, Das ist die gantze Heylige Schrifft, Teutsch" (Bible, This is the Whole Scripture, German"). Contains elaborately coloured woodcuts by Virgil Solis (Wikipedia). Frankfurt am Main, Publisher: Zephelius. bayerische Staatsbibliothek, BSB-Katalog -> Rar. 359; VD16 B 2747. Source: Link1, Link2
1560-61. German Martin Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia. Das ist Die gantze Heylige Schrifft Teutsch" ("Bible. This is The Whole Holy Scripture German"). Printed in Frankfurt (Franckfurt) am Main, Publisher: Publisher: Zöpfel; Rasch; Feyerabend. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, BSB-Katalog -> Rar. 360-1; VD16 B 2748. Source: Link1, Link2
1560-61. German Luther Bible. Such luxuriously decorated Bibles were popular representational objects at the courts of nobility and princes. The coloured woodcuts come from the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Younger. Title: "Biblia. Das ist: Die gantze heilige Schrifft Deudsch" ("Bible. That is: The whole holy scripture German"), Wittemberg, Printer: Hans Lufft. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, BSB-Katalog -> 2 L.impr.membr. 21-1; VD16 B 2750. Source: Link
1561-1565. German Martin Luther Bible. The Catholic Bible of Dietenberger 1553 (see above) and the Protestant Luther Bible contained the same illustrations. Title: "Biblia. Das ist Die gantze Heylige Schrifft Teutsch. D. Mart. Luth. Sampt einem Register vnd schoenen Figuren." Printed in Frankfurt/Main. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1565 "Biblische Figuren deß Alten Testaments" by Virgil Solis. Source: Link
1561. Polish Bible from Krakow. Title: "Biblia to iest. Kxięgi Stharego y Nowego Zakonu na Polski ięzyk [...] według Łacińskiey Bibliey od Kościoła Krześciańskiego powszechnego przyięthey nowo wyłożona [...] [przez Jana Leopolitę]." Publisher: Scharffenberg Marek, Dziedzice, Kraków. Several printers from Germany developed book printing in Poland, especially in Krakow. Many pictures were previously used in German, Swiss and Dutch Bibles. Rights: PAN Biblioteka Kórnicka. Source: Link
1562. Seven-armed Menorah in German Martin Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia: Das ist: Die gantze heilige Schrifft: Deudsch / Doct. Mart. Luth." Printed in Wittemberg by Hans Lufft. Badische Landesbibliothek Karlsruhe, Signatur: 50 C 18 RH. Source: Link
1562. (MISHNAH) Seder Kodshim. Deluxe wide-margined copy, printed entierely on blue paper. Numerous woodcut diagrams, double-page plan of the Temple at end. ff. 122, (1). Stained and dampsoiled, few marginal repairs. Modern blind-tooled crushed morocco, slip-case. Lg. 4to. Vinograd, Mantua 80; Mehlman 106. Jacob Cohen of Gazolo, Mantua: 1562. Kestenbaum. Source: Link
1562, i.e. 1561. Menorah on the title page of the Geneva version, translated by William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, Thomas Sampson. Printed at Geneva. Title: "The Bible and Holy Scriptures conteyned in the Olde and Newe Testament. Translated according to the Ebrue and Greke, and conferred with the best translations in diuers languges. VVith moste profitable annotations vpon all the hard places..." University of Illinois. Early English Books Online, number: STC (2nd ed.) / 2095. Source: Link
1563. Polish "Biblia Brzeska." Title: "Biblia swięta, tho iest, Księgi Starego y Nowego Zakonu, wlasnie z Zydowskiego, Greckiego, y Łaćińskiego, nowo na Polski ięzyk z pilnośćią y wiernie wylożone." Publisher: Radziwiłł Mikołaj "Czarny", Brześć Litewski. Rights: PAN Biblioteka Kórnicka. Source: Link
1564. Figures from the Bible. Language: French. Title: "Figures de la Bible, illustrees de huictains / ed. par Gueroult ; ill. de Pierre Vase." Illustrator: Pierre Eskrich (1520?-159.?). Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon, FC085. Source: Link
1564. Woodcuts with biblical figures and German explanatory text. Title: "Wol gerissnen und geschnidten Figuren ausz der Bibel." The Menorah has a clear structure and 22 "flower sketches" of the almond blossoms. Original French text by Claude Paradin, translated by Caspar Scheyd; woodcuts by Berhard Salomon. Printed in Lyon (France) by Hans Tornesius. Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Switzerland), Rv 92: b. ERARA. Source: Link1, Link2
1564. German Luther Bible. Printed in Wittenberg by Johann Krafft. Reface by August Duke of Saxony. On the title page a woodcut portrait of the Saxon prince August. Contains numerous woodcut initials and Bible scenes. The Bible was damaged by bark beetles. Two-column print. The Bible was purchased by the Gymnasial-Bibliothek in Elbing. Biblioteka Elblaska (Poland). Source: Link1, Link2
1564. German Luther Bible, Printed in Jena (Jhena), Germany. This Bible was an attempt to compete with the Bibles made in Wittemberg. In addition, the opponents of the Reformation were to be fought. It was therefore also called the "Jenaer Kampfbibel" (Jena Battle Bible). Title: "Biblia. Das ist Die ganze Heilige Schrift". BSB-Katalog -> Res/2 B.g.luth. 81; VD16 B 2761. Source: Link1, Link2
1564. Beautiful illustration of the tabernacle of Moses and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem with its Menorahs. German Martin Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia, Das ist: Die gantze Heylige Schrifft, Teutsch. Sampt einem Register, Summarien vber alle Capittel, vnd schönen Figuren". Printed in Frankfurt am Main (Franckfurt am Mayn). Univ.-Bibliothek Frankfurt. Signatur: Ausst. 281 Bd. 1. Source: Link
1565. Biblia germanicolatina. Latin Vulgata and German Martin Luther translation. Printed in Wittenberg (Germany) by Johann Schwertel. Kramerius. Source: Link
1565. Froschauer-Bible. Title: "Die gantze Bibel, das ist alle Bücher Alts und Neüws Testaments den ursprünglichen Spraachen nach auffs aller treüwlichest verteütschet: darzuo ist yetzund kommen ein volkomner Zeiger der gantzen Bibel, sampt gwüssen Condordanzen, Argumenten und schönen Figuren." Language: German. Printed in Zürich (Switzerland) by "Chrystoffel Froschouer." Zentralbibliothek Zürich, Bibl 137. Source: Link1, Link2
1566. "Candelabrum Aureum Tabernaculi" In: "Biblia sacra, ad optima quaeque veteris, et vulgatae translationis exemplaria summa diligentia, parique fide castigata. Cum Hebraicorum, Caldaeorum & Graecorum nominum interpretatione..." Language: Latin. The Old Testament illustrations are by Pierre Eskrich (1530-1590). Printed in Lyon (=Lugduni; Lione) by Guliel. Rouillium (=Guillaume Rouillé). Source: Link1, Link2
1566. Latin Bible, partly coloured, printed in Lyon (Lvgdvni, France) by Frellonius (Apud Ioannem Frellonium). With woodcut printer's mark, 2 woodcut maps (1 partly coloured), 5 folded tables, as well as numerous text woodcuts (occasionally coloured or partly coloured). Title: "Biblia sacra veteris et novi testamenti, Iuxta vulgatum editionum maiori quam antehac unquam doctorum studio..." Source: Link
1568. English Bishops Bible. This Bible is the work of the bishops, produced under the authority of the established Church of England in 1568. It was substantially revised in 1572, and the 1602 edition was prescribed as the base text for the King James Bible that was completed in 1611. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1569. German Luther Bible. Printed in Frankfurt am Main. Title: "Biblia Das ist Die gantze Heylige Schrifft Teutsch. D.Mart.Luth. Sampt einem Register Summarien vber alle Capitel vnd schoenen Figuren." Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany (Shelfmark: 2" Bu 9566). Source: Link
1569. English Bible by Jean Crespin. Title: "The Bible and Holy Scriptures conteyned in the Olde and Newe Testament. Translated according to the Ebrue and Greke, and conferred with the best translations in divers languages..." Printed in Geneva. Bibliothèque de Genève, Bb 2247. ERARA. Source: Link1, Link2
1571-1573. The Dispute in the Temple by Jan van Doetichum. Jesus Christ disputes with the scribes in the temple; he counts his arguments on his fingers. Place of production: Antwerp. Dutch scool. Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel, Germany. Source: Link
1571 and 1579. German Book with pictures about the Bible. Title: "Neuwe Biblische Figuren. Künstlich vnd artig gerissen, durch den sinn vnd kunstreichen auch weitberühmte[n] Jost Amman, von Zürych, mit schönen Teutschen Reimen, welche den gantzen in[n]halt einer jeden Figur vnd Capitel kurtz begreiffen, zuvor dergleichen nie im Druck außgangen." Print made by: Jost Amman Prublisher: Sigmund Feyerabend, Printed in Frankfurt (Franckfurt am Mayn). Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1573. "Candelabrum Aureum Tabernaculi" In: "Biblia: Ae vetustissima exemplaria nunc rechens castigata, romaeque revisa: in quibus praeterea..." Latin medieval Bible Leaf depicting the Menorah. Published by Guliel Rouillius in Lyon (=Lugduni; Lugdunum). Woodcuts by Pierre Eskrich, one depicting the menorah. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Germany, Signatur: Th B V 71. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3
1574. Biblia Germanicolatina. Parallel Bible in two columns: Latin Bible and German Martin Luther Translation. Wittenberg, Publisher: by Johann Krafft for Samuel Selfisch. Co-actors: Paul Crell, Paul Eber, Georg Maior. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek. BSB-Katalog -> ESlg/4 B.g.luth. 37-1; VD16 B 2674. Source: Link1, Link2
1575. German Catholic Bible by Johann Dietenberger. The Catholic Church has used the same images as the Protestant Luther Bible and the English Bishops Bible (1568). Title: "Catholische Bibell. Das ist alle bücher der H. Schrifft beide Alts vñ Newen Testaments: nach Alter in Christlicher Kyrche gehabter Traslation trewlich verteutscht vnd mit vielen heilsamen Annotaten erleuchtet". Printed in Cologne (Köln) by Johann (Erben) Quentel. Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Sachsen-Anhalt. Link, (1621 Link)
1576. Biblical figures with German text. Title: "Neue Künstliche Figuren Biblischer Historien: Und zu Gotsförchtiger ergetzung andachtiger Hertzen mit artigen Reimen begriffen durch J. F. G. M / grüntlich von Tobia Stimmer gerissen. The strange thing is: The female figures are only lightly clothed" Printed in Basel (Switzerland) by Thoma Gwarin. Universitätsbibliothek Basel, BibG C 737. ERARA. Source: Link1, Link2
1576. The seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. print maker: Philips Galle, Antwerp. Measurements: h 255 mm × w 191 mm, h 375 mm × w 275 mm. Rijksmuseum. Source: Link
1577. Title: Gottfried von Bouillon (Godfrey of Bouillon). Engraver: Tobias Stimmer. Place of manufacture: Basel, Switzerland. Dimensions: height x width: 220 x 160 mm (sheet) & 146 x 115 mm (plate). Godfrey of Bouillon (1060-1100) was a commander in the First Crusade; After the conquest of Jerusalem, he became the first regent of the newly founded kingdom of Jerusalem, but rejected the royal dignity. © Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum Braunschweig. Source: Link1, Link2
1578. Latin Bible. First edition of the Vulgate with the small-format series of fine woodcuts by the Schaffhausen artist Tobias Stimmer (1539-84). With maps of the Holy Land, Mediterranean Sea and Paradise. Title: "Biblia sacra Veteris et Novi Testamenti, secundum editionem Vulgatam." Basel: Guarinus. Reiss & Sohn. Source: Link
1580. Geneva-Bible. Lanuage: French. Title: "La Bible, qui est toute la saincte Escriture: contenant la vieil et le nouveau Testament, ou la vieille et la nouvelle Alliance: on a adjousté en ceste edition entre autres choses, les argumens sur chacun livre, figures, cartes, tant chrorographiques que autres..." Printed in Genève by Jacob Stoer. Zentralbibliothek Zürich, ERARA. Source: Link1, Link2
1580. Title page of the book "Brief speech of the preservation, and curation of the plague." Language: French. Title: "Bref discours de la praeservation, et curation de la peste." Author: Julien Le Paulmier (1520-1588); Publisher: A Caen, chez Pierre le Chandelier. Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Réserve des livres rares, 8-TE30-70. Source: Link
1584. Christian van Adrichom (1533-1585): The Temple of Solomon (detail; Köln, Germany). From: ''JERVSALEM et suburbia eius, sicut tempore Christi floruit...'' Engraving, handcolored, 52,0 x 74.9 cm - Kyram Collection. The Menorah has the shape of a tree of life and the almond blossoms are sketched. Source: Link
1584. German Bible by Ambrosius Lobwasser. Title: "Biblia, darinnen die Summarien aller Kapitel der ganzen heiligen Schrift mit sonderlichem Fleiß in deutsche Reime verfasset." This seven-branched candlestick has no round arms. Printed in Leipzig. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany. Source: Link1, Link2
1584. Title: "Or Nerot ha-Menorah le-ha’ir ha…" Produced in Venice, Italy. Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnberg, Shelfmark: A I 8. Source: Link
1585. German Luther Bible. Title: "Biblia. Das ist Die gantze heilige Schrifft Teutsch. D.Mart.Luth. Sampt einem vollkommenen Register Summarien vber alle Capitel vnd schönen Figuren." Printed in Frankfurt/Main by Christian Egenolffs Erben (1555-1667). Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Signature: 2" Bu 9586. Source: Link
1586. German book about the tabernacle. Title: "Die Stiffthuette Altes Testaments mit jhrer austeilung zugehoerendem Gereth vnd Kleinodien auch jhrer geistlichen bedeutung. Beschrieben Durch M. Johannem Pomarium zu S. Peter in der Altenstadt Magdeburgk Pfarherrn." Printed in Magdeburg. Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany, P_Drucke_VD16. Source: Link
1587. Catholic German Bible by Johann Dietenberger (1475-1537). Title: "Bibell : das ist alle Bücher Alts und News Testament nach alter in christlicher Kyrchen gehabter Translation trewlich verteutschte und mit vielen heilsamen Annotaten erleucht, durch D. Johan Dietenberger; jetzt an vielen Orten corrigiert und gebessert, mit schönen kunstreichen Figuren geziert und fleissiger dann je vorhin aussgangen. Printed in Köln by Johan Quentels. ERARA, VD16 B 2804. Source: Link
1588 and 1596. German Luther Bible, printed in Neustadt/Haardt. Title: "Biblia, das ist die ganze heilige Schrift, deutsch BIBLIA Das ist: Die gantze heilige Schrifft Teutsch. Doct. Martin Luther. Jetz und ... in ... Versicul abgetheilet/ vnd darauff gerichtete Summarien vnd Lehren jedes Capitels/ Concordantzen Chronicken Landtaffeln vnd Figuren verbessert vnd gemehret..." Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany (Shelfmark 4" Bu 9610). Source: Link1, Link2
1588. The Barth Bible (German: Barther Bibel) shows the text of the Luther Bible in Low German translation. Title: "Biblia Dat is: De gantze hillige Schrifft Düdesch." Copyright: Evangelische Kirchengemeinde St. Marien in Barth. Source: Link
1588-1590. The Presentation of Christ in the Temple by Adriaen Collaert, Dutch school. Serie: The Life of the Virgin. Sheet: 195 x 135 mm. Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel, Germany. Souce: Link
1590. Latin-German Images Bible (Nouæ Tobiae Stimmeri Sacrorvm Bibliorvm figuræ: Versibvs Latinis & Germanicis exposita: Newe Biblische Figuren, durch Tobiam Stim[m]er gerissen. Mit Lateinischen vnnd Teutschen Versen ausgelegt). Printed in Strassburg (Germany at that time, now France). ÖNB, Österreichische National Bibliothek. Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
1590-1597. Sefer Be'urim, on Rashi commentary on the Torah, by Rabbi Natan Shapira from Horodna. Contains several illustrations: map of land of Israel, ladder of Ya’akov, Menorah of the Temple... This is a forged book. At the height of the printing of the original book Imrei Shefer in Krakow, this commentary, whose author is unknown, was printed in the name of Rabbi Natan Shapiro, as related by his son in the introduction of the book Imrei Shefer. This resulted in the banning of the book by rabbis of Poland. Kedem Auctions. Source: Link
1590 (ca.). The Marriage of the Virgin by Ludovico Carracci (1555-1619). Dimensions: 40 × 34 cm (15.7 × 13.3 in). This tiny and exquisite painting shows Ludovico's art at its most delicate. The Holy Spirit is seen descending upon the marriage of the Virgin Mary to Joseph, whose rod has symbolically burst into flower. The work was once attributed to Annibale Carracci, but the shape of the Virgin's head, the drapery folds and details like the dog are typical of Ludovico. Source: Link1, Link2
1593 (5453). A Minhagim book (minhogim bukh), Hebrew: "Sefer minhagim" (translation: "a Book of Customs"). It contains descriptions of Jewish liturgical and other practices in connection with holidays etc. The author of the original Hebrew text was the Austrian-Hungarian Rabbi Isaac Türnau. These Menorah and those of 1611, 1662, 1669 have seven arms. Place of origin: Venice, Italy. The printer was Juan di Gara. The Royal Library, National Library of Denmark. Source: Link1, Link2
1593. Beurim al ha-eshel ha-gadol Rashi zal. Shapira by Natan Ashkenazi ben Shimshon (called Natan Spira, ca. 1490-1577). Full page woodcut illustration of a Hebrew candelabra, full page woodcut map of ancient Judea. It is interesting to see how the almond blossoms were positioned. Published by Bernardo Giustiniani; Matteo Zanetti, Venice. Source: Link
1597. German Luther Bible. Printed in Wittenberg by Samuel Seelfisch, Lorenz Säuberlich. Title: "Biblia Das ist Die gantze heilige Schrifft: Deudsch. Doct. Mart. Luth: Mit den Summarien M. Viti Ditterichs vnd einem gantzen nuetzlichen Register auch in gewisse verß abgeteilet nach der Bibel Anno 45. Corrigieret". Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, VD16 ZV 1528. Source: Link
16th-18th century. Judaica menorah. Judaism fragment from antique Hanukkah native art Europe, Ukraine metal; 36x28x2 mm. Source: Link
Menorah Pictures from other Centuries:
Until the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th-10th, 11th-13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st Century
Note: It's nice to see the menorah pictures. However, according to the Bible Jesus (Hebrew Yeshua) is the true spiritual meaning behind the physical Menorah. He is the true and eternal spiritual
light: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). The menorah also symbolizes the Tree of Life, because
Jesus is the way to life: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus' Word and the Bible are the light in this world. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps
119:105 and John 1:1-17).
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