Esther before Ahasuerus

late 16th century

Giovanni Guerra

Associated Names
Giovanni Guerra

Artist, Roman, 1544 - 1618

This is a drawing of figures gathered around a throne in an opulent setting. The drawing depicts an ornately decorated interior space with classical architectural elements. At the center, there is a figure seated on a throne elevated above the rest, adorned with a crown. Surrounding this central figure are numerous other figures engaged in what seems to be a formal or ceremonial gathering. The figures are dressed in flowing garments and are positioned in dynamic, animated poses. The shading and line work add depth, creating a sense of drama and narrative within the scene.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    The Edith Tanenbaum Rudolf Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 22.86 × 15.88 cm (9 × 6 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2022.75.4


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Mathias Komor, New York, 1909 - 1984, Lugt 1882a). William Rudolf, Hampden, CT; bequest to NGA, 2022.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on verso in brown ink: a seventeen-line letter(?); by later hand, lower center in graphite: Chapter 2 verse 17; B.698414

Markings

verso in blue ink: MK [circled] (Lugt 1882a)


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