Signature of Samson ben Joshua Moses Morpurgo

Signature of Samson ben Joshua Moses Morpurgo

Morpurgo, Samson ben Joshua Moses, 1681-1740

This is the signature of Samson (Shimshon in Hebrew) ben Joshua Moses Morpurgo (1681-1740), an Italian rabbi and physician.

As a child, Morpurgo was educated in Venice and later studied at the University of Padua where he received his medical degree. He then pursued rabbinical studies and was ordained in 1709. Morpurgo shared the position of Chief Rabbi of Ancona with Joseph Fiametta, his father-in-law. Later in 1721, Morpurgo became Ancona's sole rabbi after Fiametta's death.

Morpurgo was recognized as a talented physician by the Archbishop of Ancona after assisting in an outbreak of influenza in 1730. Morpurgo was also an accomplished author, and wrote a few responsa and a philosophical commentary.

Pictured here are also some inscriptions, both in Italian and Hebrew, that appear in the Brisman Collection. The Hebrew inscription says "This is my book, Shimshon Morpurgo." The Italian inscription says "This book belongs to Mr. Morpurgo of Ancona."

Morpurgo, Samson ben Joshua Moses, 1681-1740

Jewish Encyclopedia: Ancona

Jewish Encyclopedia: Morpurgo, Samson ben Joshua Moses

Wikipedia

Digital Image: Washington University in Saint Louis

Ink

Italian

Signature

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