Dynamics of Jewish Broadsides: 500 Years of Jewish History Through the Lens of Single Sheet Prints

Jewish history is often studied through books and archival sources. But one genre is often overlooked: single printed sheets, or Jewish broadsides. These ephemeral prints are the focus of this special symposium. A broadside is a single printed sheet that has been produced many times since the incunabula period. Because they are inexpensive to produce, broadsides sometimes express the sentiments of individuals on the margins of society whose voices are rarely heard. Although certain genres predominate, the subjects of broadsides are as varied as human experience. They relate to public, community, local, or national issues, or to individuals, persons, and life events, whether religious or secular.

Speakers: Emile Schrijver, Avriel Bar-Levav, Irene Zwiep, Bart Wallet, Marion Aptroot, Sietske van der Veen

Prior to the symposium there will be the opportunity to attend a presentation in which curator Rachel Boertjens and intern Jan de Vries will show a selection of the single sheet prints collection of the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana. This rich collection contains all kind of genres of single sheet prints, the oldest dating from the late 16^th century. The presentation will be given at a different location than the symposium: in the reading room of the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana at the Allard Pierson, Oude Turfmarkt 129. There are two time slots to choose from: 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. There is a maximum of 20 people per presentation; availability of the time slot of choice in order of registration.

More information, full program

Date: 19 November 2024
Location of the presentation of single sheet prints collection of the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana: Allard Pierson, Oude Turfmarkt 129, Amsterdam, between 11:30-12:00 or 12:00-12:30.

Location of the symposium: University Library, Belle van Zuylen Room, Singel 425, Amsterdam, between 13:30 and 17:30.

Entrance fee for the symposium: €10,- ; friends (donateurs) of the Menasseh ben Israel Institute and students: free of charge.
There is no extra charge for the presentation in the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana.

Registration (required) by email to mbii@jck.nl. In your message, please let us know if you wish to attend the presentation at the Allard Pierson (and at which time: 11:30-12:00 or 12:00-12:30), the symposium or both the presentation and the symposium.