France or England
Hanging (Depicting the Story of Esther and King Ahasuerus) (Needlework)
INV-2276
France or England1575/1600
Hanging (Depicting the Story of Esther and King Ahasuerus) (Needlework)
France or England
textileneedlework (visual works)
Date
1575/1600
Medium
Linen, plain weave; embroidered with silk and wool in tent and cross stitch
Dimensions
185.4 × 297.2 cm (73 × 117 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Dr. Jonathan and Mrs. Alexandra Zizmor
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.
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