Since the Scroll of Esther is the only Biblical book not containing the name of God, the halachic restrictions about creating such a scroll are relaxed. This led to craftsmen and artisans (as opposed to scribes) making megillot, with breathtaking results. Megilla cases were also decorated. Here we show you some examples of the artwork that developed over the centuries.

Click on the manuscript to see it enlarged in detail.

	Megilla, Venice mid-18th century Borders by Francesco Griselini and calligraphy by Aryeh Ben Daniel of Goray. This is a "King's Scroll," where each panel begins with the word HaMelech - the King. This was a popular scribal finesse
Dutch Megilla, 18th century The figures of the Zodiac are represented, and a man points out Pisces, the sign of Adar.
	The Cincinnati Megilla, Italian, 1740s The anonymous artist draws inspiration from the 17th luxurious flourishes of Salom D'Italia, but the lack of depth and black background of the figures creates a more naive folk style.
Alsace Megilla, Early 1700s
	Haman and Sons Being Hung The Sons' names are all read in one breath.
Megilla from Morocco, early 19th century The colorful lettering illustrates the geneology of Mordechai, back to Avraham, and Haman's lineage, back to Esau.
	Italian Megilla, 1637 The artist, Salom D'Italia, set the standard of Jewish illuminated manuscripts for several centuries.
From the Leipzig Machzor, 14th Century Haman and his sons hang from the tree at right while Zeresh, Haman's wife, mourns at the bottom. On the left, Haman's daughter throws garbage on her father's head.