La Dedicace de la Sinagogue des Juifs Portugais, A Amsterdam – an engraving by Bernard Picart portraying the inauguration of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, [18th cent]. The Spanish-Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam was inaugurated in 1675. The impressive building reflects the wealthy Jewish congregation in Amsterdam. The engraving features the congregation members during prayer, dressed according to mid 18 century fashion. At the front of the engraving stand, among the rest of the congregation members, women and children. The letters on the face of the engraving refer the reader to a text explaining the custom depicted in the engraving. Bernard Picart (1673-1733) published in Amsterdam, during the years 1723-1743 a monumental book "Ceremonies and Religious Customs of People of the World". The first volume is dedicated to Jewish life and religious rituals, mainly referring to the Spanish-Portuguese congregation of Amsterdam. Picart was the first Christian author to depict Jewish rituals based on personal observations and through frequent visits to the Portuguese synagogue and to several homes of Spanish Jews in Amsterdam. The book was translated into five languages and printed in numerous editions. 35X44 cm, framed: 45.5X56 cm, good condition, minor damages. Not examined out of frame.