The Triumph of Mordecai 1515

Lucas van Leyden's "The Triumph of Mordecai" is a 1515 engraving that depicts a scene from the Book of Esther. The work, held by the Art Institute of Chicago, captures the moment when Mordecai, a Jewish hero, is paraded through the streets of Susa on horseback after saving the Jews from annihilation. Van Leyden's meticulous detail and masterful use of light and shadow create a powerful and moving scene. The composition is dynamic, with the central figure of Mordecai moving forward, and the surrounding figures looking on in awe. "The Triumph of Mordecai" exemplifies the artistic sophistication of Northern Renaissance printmaking and offers a glimpse into the rich history of Jewish imagery in art.