Mantua in Jerusalem

EVA Minerva - Jerusalem 2014

Prof. Moshe Caine - Dr. Andreina Contessa

An Interactive Web Exhibition Prototype exhibit within the Israel Museum Portal

Rationale To tell the story of the Jewish community of Mantua, 11th - 20th century

The Journey from Italy to Jerusalem

Background !

The city of Mantua was one of the greatest Renaissance courts in Europe and home

of the wealthy Gonzaga family. Under the

Gonzagas, Mantua became one of the most important

artistic, cultural, and musical centres of

Northern Italy, known particularly for its

architectural treasures, elegant palaces and

Renaissance cityscape.

Jewish Culture !

During the 16th century the Gonzaga family who were in power in Mantua until 1708

gave much support to cultural and artistic life in the city and Mantua became an important center of Renaissance art and

humanism, encouraging a wide interest in Jewish

literature and history. Eminent Jews contributed to the city

from the 15th century onwards and their legacy was an

influence and inspiration for many generations in various

fields of activity.

Methodology Narrative rather than Data

Story told through Objects from the collection

Timeline Show the community life in the larger context of Italian history

Interactive journey through Time

Cultural Life Reciprocal influences of Jewish-ItalianCulture

Music, Print, Medicine, Banking, Everyday Life, etc.

The Synagogues Centers of Community

Centers of Religion

Treasures from the Collection Emphasis on items that mirror the life of the community

Not an attempt at a database of the collection

Ritual Objects Every object tells a story

Reflections of everyday life

The Mantua Ark Centrepiece of the Museum Unique Interactive 3D Scan

Website due to go online in English and

Hebrew in coming months