Sabbath Lamp
Artist
Georg Gerstner
(German, active from 1708)
DateFirst quarter of the 18th century
MediumBrass, copper alloy, and iron
Dimensionsw/o ratchet: H. 24 in. (61 cm) x Diam. 12 5/8 in. (32.1 cm)
Ratchet: 22 1/16 in. (56.1 cm)
Ratchet: 22 1/16 in. (56.1 cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LinePurchased in memory of Hannah P. and B. Elmo Scoggin with funds from the bequest of Hannah P. Scoggin
Object number2021.9/a-k
On View
On viewCollections
ProvenanceCreated Nuremburg, Germany, early 18th century. Acquired from an unknown source by Rabbi and Mrs. Leonard C. Mishkin, Chicago, probably 1951 [1] [2]; [Michelle Vishny, Chicago]; William L. Gross, Tel Aviv, early 1980s [3]; Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, sold to NCMA, 2021.
[1] According to William Gross, Michele Vishny told him that Rabbi and Mrs. Mishkin acquired the lamp from Henry (Hans) F. Odell, a German émigré and family friend. However, this claim is unsubstantiated.
[2] In January 1951 Mrs. Leonard C. Mishkin wrote to Franz Landsberger, Curator of the Museum at the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, asking his advice on a Sabbath lamp offered for purchase. On January 12, 1951 Landsberger replied that, “In my opinion the Sabbath Lamp in question is an outstanding piece, even if the saw should not be included….Since this lamp is much more decorated than the usual type of Sabbath lamp, I would advise you buy it, even for the price of $250.00.” [Digital scan of letter provided by William L. Gross.] The lamp discussed can be reasonably identified with the lamp acquired by Gross from the Mishkins.
[3] “My own recollection of purchase date would be closer to 1980 than 1990.” William Gross, email correspondence with J. Coffey, April 22, 2021.
