JACOPO TINTORETTO (1519-94)
Esther before Ahasuerus
c. 1546-7RCIN 407247
King Ahasuerus’s second wife, Esther, learns that the King’s chief minister is plotting to have all the Jews in the Persian Empire massacred. Esther intercedes with the King and he eventually he grants her request to spare her people. The intense colours create an impression of exotic splendour, while strong light heightens the drama.
Acquired by Charles I from the Gonzaga collection, Mantua
No. 75