About this artwork
This needlework hanging recounts two scenes from the Old Testament story of Esther and the Persian king Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes). At the left, the seated Mordecai pleads with his cousin Esther, the Jewish queen, to intercede with the king to prevent the massacre of the Jews in the empire planned by the chief minister. At right, Esther swoons as Ahasuerus agrees to see her unannounced. In the end, the king heeded Esther’s plea, and the enemies of the Jews were killed instead. The deliverance of the Jews in ancient Persia is celebrated annually on the Jewish holiday of Purim.
-A Global View: Recent Acquisitions of Textiles, 2012-2016, April 8-September 5, 2016
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Title
- Hanging (Depicting the Story of Esther and King Ahasuerus) (Needlework)
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Place
- France (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1575–1600
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Medium
- Linen, plain weave; embroidered with silk and wool in tent and cross stitch
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Dimensions
- 185.4 × 297.2 cm (73 × 117 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Dr. Jonathan and Mrs. Alexandra Zizmor
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Reference Number
- 2014.1389
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/227615/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
