Banquet of Esther, Ahasuerus and Haman c. 1665

This pen and ink sketch, "Banquet of Esther, Ahasuerus and Haman," was created by Rembrandt van Rijn around 1665. The sketch, a preliminary study for a larger painting, depicts a scene from the biblical Book of Esther, showcasing King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, and Haman at a lavish feast. The sketch, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures Rembrandt’s dynamic style with loose, expressive lines and hints of shading, emphasizing the composition and figures of the eventual painting.