Leaf from Scientific American, dated October 27, 1883, containing the first publication of forger Moses Shapira’s “discovery” of scrolls supposedly comprising a handwritten Deuteronomy, and the “location” in which they were found. This report was published before Shapira’s forgery was discovered, and describes the discovery’s details as true.
Moses Wilhelm Shapira (1830-1884) was a collector and antique dealer who lived and worked in Jerusalem during the second half of the 19th century. He gained fame as an antique forger following two known cases – the forgery of a Moabite potsherds collection, and scrolls (now known as the “Shapira Strips”) discovered in the Dead Sea area in 1883. The scrolls contained a version (with slight changes) of Deuteronomy. The British Museum and additional researchers concluded they were forged. The scrolls were declared illegitimate, Shapira left London, and in 1884 committed suicide.
Size: 23×19 cm, framed by handsome passepartout 34×29 cm. Very fine condition.