Lot 48: Esther seating next to King Ahasver of Persia, pleading for the Jewish people

David Jacobsen (Danish, 1821-1871)
Esther seating next to King Ahasver of Persia, pleading for the Jewish people
signed, inscribed and dated 'David Jacobsen. Paris 1863.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
122 x 155 cm.

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The present lot represents a scene from the biblical book of Esther from the Old Testament. King Ahasver of Persia had chosen Esther to be his queen, a woman of Jewish origin, but she kept this silent for the king. When king Ahasver promoted Prince Haman to a position higher than all other princes of Persia, he accordingly gave him the power to act in the name of the king. Haman, a fervent enemy of the Jewish people, thus sent out a decree to annihilate all Jews in the kingdom.
Esther could not keep quiet any longer and decided to reveal who she really was.

She invited the king and Haman for a banquet that she prepared herself. During the dinner, the king promised her that he would fulfil any favour she could possibly have. Esther then pleaded for her life and for all her people, who were on the verge of being killed. When the king asked her who the culprit was, she pointed towards Haman. The king kept his word and Haman was sentenced to the gallows. The Jewish people had been saved by Esther.