Netherlands / c. 1668
Esther, Ahasuerus, and Haman
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Esther, Ahasuerus, and Haman as painting (Netherlands · c. 1668).
At the center of this biblical scene, Steen included elements of a typical Dutch still life: a Roemer glass, a half-peeled lemon, and a blue-and-white porcelain dish.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Jan Steen (Dutch, 1626–1679).
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtEsther, Ahasuerus, and HamanOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.