ESTHER AND AHASUERUS
Esther wears a crown only in the background scenes, so that the main scene may depict Ahasuerus choosing Esther to be his queen rather than the more popular subject of Esther, regally dressed, risking death to avert the destruction of her people by approaching the King unbidden.
Narrow border, styles of plants, figures and draperies are all typical of the fine Brussels tapestries exported throughout Europe in the early 16th century. Henry VIII on his death owned four sets of tapestry of the Story of Esther.
FLEMISH (BRUSSELS); circa 1510-20
Museum number 338-1866 [before 2003]
Esther and Ahasuerus
About 1510-20
Esther's story is told in the Old Testament. She was the wife of Ahasuerus, King of Persia. Unaware that she was Jewish, the king allowed his chief minister to order the massacre of all Jews in his realm. Esther risked death to intercede with the king and save her people. The subject was a favourite one in 15th- and 16th-century tapestries.
Southern Netherlands
Tapestry-woven in wool and silk [2008]