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Unicorn and Ram, from the Meshal ha-Kadmoni (Fable of the Ancients)

Author Isaac ben Solomon abi Sahula Spanish

Not on view

Penned in 1281 by a Jewish scholar living in Spain, the Meshal ha-Kadmoni presents opinions on various subjects, as voiced by animals. Two centuries later, it became the first printed book in Hebrew to be illustrated. Here, an ofer and an aku, depicted as a unicorn and a ram, discuss the wickedness of hunters.

Unicorn and Ram, from the Meshal ha-Kadmoni (Fable of the Ancients), Isaac ben Solomon abi Sahula (Spanish, born Castile, 1244), Printed book: Ink on paper (woodcut), Italian (Brescia)

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Unicorn and Ram, from the Meshal ha-Kadmoni (Fable of the Ancients), Isaac ben Solomon abi Sahula (Spanish, born Castile, 1244), Printed book: Ink on paper (woodcut), Italian (Brescia)
Unicorn and Ram, from the Meshal ha-Kadmoni (Fable of the Ancients), Isaac ben Solomon abi Sahula (Spanish, born Castile, 1244), Printed book: Ink on paper (woodcut), Italian (Brescia)

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