The repudiation of Queen Vashti 18th century

This drawing of 'The Repudiation of Queen Vashti' was rendered anonymously, its date unknown, using pen and wash. The scene depicts a biblical story from the Book of Esther, where Queen Vashti refuses to appear before King Ahasuerus and his guests, leading to her removal from the throne. The image creates meaning through its stark depiction of power dynamics and gender roles, common visual codes of the time. The cultural references to biblical stories highlight the influence of religious texts on social norms. The historical associations with monarchy and courtly life suggest the importance of obedience and submission in maintaining social order. Was it made during a time of political upheaval, where artists were using biblical stories to comment on contemporary issues of authority and resistance? Was it used to reassert traditional hierarchies? To understand this artwork better, we might delve into historical texts on gender roles, courtly life, and religious interpretations of the Book of Esther. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.