2014 EVA/Minerva Jerusalem International Conference on Digitisation of Cultural Heritage http://2014.minervaisrael.org.il http://www.digital-heritage.org.il

1. Mantua in Jerusalem
Prof. Moshe Caine - Dr. Andreina Contessa
EVA Minerva - Jerusalem 2014

2. An Interactive Web Exhibition
Prototype exhibit within the Israel Museum Portal

3. Rationale
To tell the story of the Jewish community of Mantua, 11th - 20th century
The Journey from Italy to Jerusalem

4. Background
!
The city of Mantua was one
of the greatest Renaissance
courts in Europe and home
of the wealthy Gonzaga
family. Under the
Gonzagas, Mantua became
one of the most important
artistic, cultural, and
musical centres of
Northern Italy, known
particularly for its
architectural treasures,
elegant palaces and
Renaissance cityscape.

5. Jewish Culture
!
During the 16th century the
Gonzaga family who were in
power in Mantua until 1708
gave much support to cultural
and artistic life in the city and
Mantua became an important
center of Renaissance art and
humanism, encouraging a
wide interest in Jewish
literature and history. Eminent
Jews contributed to the city
from the 15th century onwards
and their legacy was an
influence and inspiration for
many generations in various
fields of activity.

6. Methodology
Narrative rather than Data
Story told through Objects from the collection

7. Timeline
Show the community life in the larger context of Italian history
Interactive journey through Time

8. Cultural Life
Reciprocal influences of Jewish-ItalianCulture
Music, Print, Medicine, Banking, Everyday Life, etc.

9. The Synagogues
Centers of Community
Centers of Religion

10. Treasures from the Collection
Emphasis on items that mirror the life of the community
Not an attempt at a database of the collection

11. Ritual Objects
Every object tells a story
Reflections of everyday life

12. The Mantua Ark
Centrepiece of the Museum
Unique Interactive 3D Scan

13. Website due to go
online in English and
Hebrew in coming
months