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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1936.16
People
Unidentified Artist
Title
Court Betrothal Scene
Other Titles
Former Title: Esther Before Ahasuerus
Classification
Textile Arts
Work Type
tapestry
Date
c. 1500
Places
Creation Place: Europe, Belgium, Brussels
Culture
Flemish
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/215266

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Textile fibers
Dimensions
203.2 x 256.5 cm (80 x 101 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Miss Belle Hunt, bequest; to Fogg Art Museum, 1936

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest of Miss Belle Hunt
Accession Year
1936
Object Number
1936.16
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
A king dressed in an ermine-lined cloak and seated under a baldachin receives a young woman who kneels in front of him. The woman is accompanied by a group of maidservants. The subject has been described by Krongard as a betrothal scene. It could represent Esther's audience with Ahasuerus (Book of Esther 4-5). Although Ahasuerus is usually shown extending his scepter toward Esther, he is also portrayed as outstretching his arms toward her as an expression of concern and sympathy. The bearded man standing in between the two might be Haman, Ahasuerus's main advisor. The style, composition and costume types are consistent with tapestry production in Brussels around 1500. The tapestry was cut down and new floral borders were added.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu