Esther before Ahasuerus 1613 - 1653

"Esther before Ahasuerus" is a large-scale Baroque painting created by the Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi between 1613 and 1653. This painting, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, depicts the biblical story of Queen Esther’s plea to her husband, King Ahasuerus, to spare her people from annihilation. The scene is dramatic, emphasizing the emotional tension of the moment. Gentileschi's skill in capturing the expressive gestures of her figures is evident, particularly in Esther's pleading pose and Ahasuerus's regal yet contemplative demeanor.