Haman's Condemnation 1740 - 1775

"Haman's Condemnation" is a mezzotint print by Richard Houston, created between 1740 and 1775. The print depicts a scene from the biblical Book of Esther, where the villainous Haman is condemned to death for plotting to kill the Jewish people. The central figure of Haman is rendered in great detail, with his elaborate attire and somber expression conveying his despair. The use of chiaroscuro, the stark contrast of light and dark, creates a dramatic and emotional atmosphere, enhancing the narrative power of the image. This print, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, showcases Houston's mastery of the mezzotint technique, making it a significant example of 18th-century British printmaking.