The artwork titled “Ahasuerus (Xerxes), Haman and Esther” was created by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt in the year 1660. This oil on canvas masterpiece measures 94 by 73 centimeters and is an exquisite representation of the Baroque movement and Tenebrism style for which Rembrandt is well known. A masterpiece of religious painting, this artwork currently resides in the Pushkin Museum, located in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, Rembrandt depicts a dramatic and tense moment from the biblical story found in the Book of Esther. The central figures are King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I of Persia), seated in the middle, his face illuminated as he turns towards Esther, who is on the right. Esther, the Jewish queen, is gracefully adorned in opulent garments, her demeanor one of serene beauty and subtle appeal. She appears to be pleading with the king, which corresponds with the critical moment in the biblical narrative when Esther reveals Haman’s plot against her people to the king. On the left side sits Haman, who appears to be caught mid-motion, possibly exhibiting surprise or anxiety as the scene unfolds.
Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro is evident in this artwork, with the strong contrast between light and shadow adding emotional depth and a sense of three-dimensionality. The figures emerge from the dark background, drawing the viewer’s focus to their expressions and the unfolding drama. This effect is characteristic of Tenebrism, a style of painting using very pronounced chiaroscuro, where there are violent contrasts of light and dark, and where darkness becomes a dominating feature of the image.
The composition and the interplay of light not only guide the viewer’s gaze but also serve to highlight the gravity of the narrative. The artwork engages the viewer through its representation of this biblical episode, conveying the intensity of the moment with a palpable sense of immediacy and psychological depth.
