An elaborate Italian Ketubah (marriage contract). The central text is framed by a rich border. At the top, two pastoral scenes depict figures in a landscape. The sides feature an openwork lattice pattern containing various animals including birds, rabbits, and deer. The bottom corners feature figures, possibly allegorical virtues, flanking a central floral urn. The entire border is interwoven with floral and vine motifs.

A central medallion at the top, topped with a crown, contains a Hebrew liturgical phrase. The medallion is surrounded by elaborate floral and leaf scrollwork.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of your house; your children like olive plants round about your table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that fears the Lord. The Lord shall bless you out of Zion: and you shall see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yea, you shall see your children's children, and peace upon Israel.

On the Sixth Day

On the sixth day of the week, the tenth day of the month of Sivan, in the year five thousand five hundred and thirty-eight from the creation of the world, according to the calendar we use here in Trieste original: "Trienti Ariandita", a phonetic Hebrew rendering of Trieste, Italy on the stream Torri. The honorable and exalted groom, Mr. Samuel (may his Rock and Redeemer protect him), son of the worthy and exalted gentleman, Mr. Isaac Luzzatto (of blessed memory), said to this modest maiden, Ms. Sarah (may she be blessed among women), daughter of the wise and discerning gentleman, the honorable Rabbi Israel Levi (may his Rock and Redeemer protect him):

"Be my wife according to the law of Moses and Israel. With Heaven's help, I will work for, honor, provide for, and support you, in the manner of Jewish men who work for, honor, provide for, and support their wives in truth. I give you the marriage gift of your maidenhood, two hundred silver coins original: "zuz", the standard currency unit in ancient Jewish law which is your due according to Torah law, along with your food, clothing, and necessities, and I will live with you as is the way of the world."

Ms. Sarah, this bride, consented and became his wife. The dowry she brought from her father's house consists of one thousand gold coins original: "zehubim", likely Venetian ducats or sequins at the rate of twenty-two lira each in the currency of Reggio original: "Riniana" here in Italy. This total includes eight hundred gold coins in general value and two hundred gold coins in cash, gold jewelry, and movable property belonging to the bride.

The groom, Samuel, desired to increase the amount and added from his own property a third more of the cash value, which is two hundred sixty-six and two-thirds gold coins. The total sum of the dowry and the groom's addition is one thousand two hundred sixty-six and two-thirds gold coins.

The groom, Samuel, said to us: "I take upon myself and my heirs after me the responsibility for this marriage contract and this additional sum. It shall be paid from the best of my property and possessions under the whole sky, whether I already own them or will acquire them in the future. All my property, whether real estate or movable assets, shall be security and collateral to collect this contract and the additional sum, even from the cloak upon my shoulders, during my life and after my death, from this day and forever."

The groom accepted the responsibility and the weight of this marriage contract as is customary for all marriage contracts made among the people of Israel, performed properly and according to the enactment of our Sages. It is not to be regarded as a mere symbolic promise or a standard form. All prior protests and their derivatives are hereby canceled, following the legal disqualifications established by Rashba Rabbi Solomon ben Adret, a major medieval legal authority (of blessed memory).

We, the witnesses signed below, have performed the act of legal acquisition from the groom, Mr. Samuel, for the benefit of his bride, Ms. Sarah, using an instrument fit for such a purpose. Everything stated above is valid, clear, and established.

Samuel, son of the late Mr. Isaac Luzzatto, the groom

Isaac the Cohen...?
Benjamin ...?