A ketubbah (“writ”) is a pre-nuptual contract that specifies many of a groom’s obligations to his bride in the event of divorce or the death of the husband. Rooted in ancient traditions, the ketubbah, the purpose of which is to protect a woman’s interests, was for much of its history a genuine contract, the specifics of which could be modified for individual relationships; eventually, though, the formula of the ketubbah was standardized. Because of the importance of the wedding in Jewish tradition,  it became customary to decorate ketubbot, and these documents are often the most beautiful artistic creations of local Jewish cultures. 

This large Roman ketubbah is typical, in shape and decoration, of elaborate ketubbot of its time. Setting it apart are the images of women on either side, the one on the left representing Hope (with a large, black anchor indicating stability) and the one on the right symbolizing Victory (holding the crown of victory in her right hand). These allegories are, of course, “pagan,” reflecting the ease with which Jews adopted arguably problematic elements for their own use.