Hanging (Depicting the Story of Esther and King Ahasuerus) (Needlework)
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.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
227615
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
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 delivera...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...