Esther, Ahasuerus, and Haman
c. 1668
Jan Steen, the Dutch master usually famous for chaotic tavern brawls, brings his lively energy to a serious biblical drama here. Queen Esther sits composed in her shimmering blue and orange dress, having just dropped a bombshell revelation at the banquet table about a plot to kill her people. King Ahasuerus reacts with a dramatic hand gesture in the center, while the villain Haman slumps into his chair on the right, looking like he's had one too many drinks and just realized his evil plan is ruined. It's a fantastic mix of high-stakes storytelling and Steen's trademark expressive, almost theatrical character acting.
- Technique
- Oil painting
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