The Banquet of Ahasuerus and Esther 1595 - 1622

"The Banquet of Ahasuerus and Esther" is a drawing created between 1595 and 1622 by Italian artist Aurelio Lomi. The work depicts a scene from the biblical Book of Esther, where King Ahasuerus throws a lavish banquet in honor of Queen Esther. Lomi's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts light and dark to create depth, is particularly striking in this drawing, as it emphasizes the scene's dramatic and festive atmosphere. Currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the drawing stands as a testament to Lomi's skill in capturing the energy and grandeur of biblical narratives.