Esther before Ahasuerus

1518

Lucas van Leyden

Associated Names
Lucas van Leyden

Artist, Netherlandish, 1489/1494 - 1533

The image depicts multiple individuals dressed in historical attire, likely from a European medieval or Renaissance era. The central figure seated on the left is shown in full body, wearing elaborate clothing with a large hat and long robe, extending a long, slender object toward a kneeling woman. The kneeling woman, also shown in full body, has intricate, braided hair and is dressed in a long flowing gown with fitted sleeves. Several other figures, both men and women, are gathered around them, all clad in layered, richly ornamented outfits complete with head coverings such as hats or veils. The background consists of architectural features including large columns and arches, with a distant view of buildings and towers suggesting a cityscape beyond. The intricate, monochrome detailing captures a moment within a grand architectural setting.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.5622

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 31, State i(b)/iii


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1962

  • Installation during Fine Art Festival, American River College, Sacramento, CA, 1962, no cat.

1973

  • Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century Prints of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art Rosenwald Collection, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1973, no. 60.

1990

  • Eva/Ave: Woman in Renaissance and Baroque Prints, NGA, 1990, no. 15, repro.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1990

  • Russell 1990, cat.no.15.

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-

Wikidata ID

Q65023330

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