In the 15th century, the Jewish community in Holland began hosting lavish Purim celebrations. The Bible’s Book of Esther was etched onto elaborately designed scrolls, and scenes from the story were staged in theatrical productions. Queen Esther—the fabled Queen of Persia who saved the Jewish people from Haman’s plot—became a symbol of national identity. In the 17th century, Rembrandt van Rijn and his contemporaries began painting scenes from Esther’s story—her confrontation with King Ahasuerus, for instance, and Haman’s execution—as well as portraits of the queen herself. This exhibition explores the Book of Esther’s popularity during a rich period of artistic expression.
—Elena Clavarino