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This Torah crown from Suriname was made originally in Amsterdam by Evert van Heerdan (active 1644–1683). It is a fine repoussé piece exemplifying the mastery of Dutch silverwork practices. Inscribed on the reverse side of the crown is the name of its donor, Semuel Coen Nassi, a prominent member of the Jewish community who donated this piece. He bought the land on which Suriname’s first synagogue was built and was also a commander of the community’s militia. Handsomely decorated with punched, engraved leaves, flowers, and animals, the crown’s band is additionally adorned with diamonds, circles, and other geometric forms.
Early modern Jewish visual culture flourished, with illuminated manuscripts, ornate synagogues, and portraiture alongside increasing non-Jewish interest in Jewish customs and greater Jewish self-representation.
