SCHOOL OF PIETER LASTMAN
Esther before Ahasuerus (Xerxes) 17th century Oil ...

Esther before Ahasuerus (Xerxes) 17th century Oil on panel 75 x 109 cm * Pieter Lastman (1583-1633), a Dutch painter known for his historical and biblical paintings, famous for teaching artists such as Rembrandt and Jan Lievens. Esther is rarely depicted standing in front of Ahasuerus, accompanied by her two maidens carrying her veil, the King’s scepter held out towards her, making this painting rather unique. Most of her depictions show her fainting and falling into her maidens’ arms. Esther is here depicted summoning up her courage and dressing in her finest robes prior to her unscheduled, yet ultimately successful meeting. Esther is afraid to break the law and present herself to the King unsummoned, as this was punishable by death. Esther enters with two maids, ‘leaning daintily on one, while the other followed carrying her train’; she is ‘radiant with perfect beauty, but her heart was frozen in fear’. She approaches the king, terrified, but suddenly rises up, her face lit with grace and beauty. The king sees her, acknowledges her remarkable beauty and holds out his golden scepter to signify that he will receive her, while Esther is swooning with relief. Ahasuerus is described as ‘clothed in the full array of his majesty, all covered with gold and precious stones’. Provenance: Acquired from Dr. Hans Rubin, former member of the Israeli Knesset and then by descent to the present owners. Exhibition: Tel Aviv Museum of Art, 1937 (Accompanied by correspondence confirming that this painting was exhibited, on loan, to the Museum).