Esther and Ahasuerus
by GHERARDI, Filippo, Oil on canvas, 283 x 511 cm
Esther, the beautiful Jewish wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes), and her cousin Mordecai persuaded the king to retract an order for the general annihilation of Jews throughout the empire. The massacre had been plotted by the king’s chief minister, Haman, and the date decided by casting lots (purim). Instead, Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai; and on the day planned for their annihilation, the Jews destroyed their enemies.
The painting was executed in collaboration with Giovanni Coli.