Esther 1620 - 1664

This engraving of Esther by Stefano della Bella, created in the 17th century, captures her regal essence. The crown, along with her elegant robes, symbolizes her elevation from a simple Jewish girl to Queen of Persia. Her outstretched hand is reminiscent of the "adlocutio" gesture, found on Roman sculptures, where emperors address their troops, and which we also see later in Christian iconography to portray blessing. Here, however, it suggests Esther's intervention and her plea to save her people. The memory of persecution and salvation are inscribed here, reappearing time and again. The figure of Esther becomes a recurring motif—a beacon of hope and resilience in times of adversity. The power of images lies in their ability to elicit deeply ingrained emotions, shaping our collective consciousness. It is a non-linear path where symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.