Esther, Ahasuerus, and Haman
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Curatorial Overview

Esther, the wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus, effectively concealed her Jewish identity until the prime minister Haman hatched a plot to annihilate the kingdom’s Jews. To save her people Esther persuades the king (at the center) to rescind his order. He then turns against Haman, who slumps in his seat, aware of his sudden fall from power and his bleak future.

Object Details

Dimensions70 × 93 cm
Credit LineJohn L. Severance Fund
Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Jan Steen (Dutch, 1626–1679)

European Painting and Sculpture • Netherlands • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries