Esther Before Ahasuerus
Artist
Lucas van Leyden
(Netherlandish, 1494–1533)
Date1518
MediumEngraving on laid paper
DimensionsImage/Sheet: 10 3/4 × 8 13/16 inches (27.3 × 22.4 cm)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineGift of David Klasfeld
Terms
- Engraving
- Ahasuerus
- Columns
- Esther
- Landscapes
- Old Testament
- Rulers
- Townscapes
- laid
Object number85.062
Label CopyThe Book, or “Megillah,” of Esther is read on the Jewish holiday of Purim. In this story, Esther and her cousin Mordecai defend the Jewish people from the antisemitic Haman, a minister appointed by King Ahasuerus of Persia. Esther, the new queen who initially hid her Jewish identity, courageously approaches King Ahasuerus to stand up for her people and demand the punishment of
Haman. In addition to the recitation of this story, Purim celebrates the strength of the Jewish people with feasts, costume and mask wearing, and triangular cookies called hamantaschen.
—Rayna Klugherz ’23
after Lucas van Leyden