Artwork Page for Esther before Ahasuerus

Details / Information for Esther before Ahasuerus

Esther before Ahasuerus

c. 1530
(Netherlandish, 1480/85–1547)
Measurements
Overall: 69.3 x 47 cm (27 5/16 x 18 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
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Description

Though also a painter and printmaker, Dierick (or Dirk) Vellert is best known as a designer of stained glass. Active in Antwerp, where he became a master of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1511, Vellert richly ornamented his work with garlands, masks, vases, and other classically inspired motifs. A great deal of his glass was exported. As an engraver, his prints owe a good deal to Albrecht Dürer and Luca van Leyden. These two panels depict famous incidents from the Old Testament featuring the rendering of judgment. Both may have originally been made for a council chamber or a court of justice. Conceivably, because of their subjects, they could have served as models of justice for the magistrates who deliberated within view of them.
A vertically oriented pot metal and white glass window depicts biblical figures with light skin tones. On our left, King Ahasuerus extends a golden scepter toward Queen Esther, who kneels in the center. A man in a green cloak stands at the far left. Behind them sits an ornate golden cabinet, while a landscape is visible at upper right. Thick lead lines fragment the composition, which includes a small dog at bottom right.

Esther before Ahasuerus

c. 1530

Dirk Vellert

(Netherlandish, 1480/85–1547)
Netherlands, South Lowlands, 16th century

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