# Esther before Ahasuerus [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [PADOVANINO]() - Date: 1601-1650 - Technique: Oil on canvas, 213 x 317 cm ## Commentary Esther, the beautiful Jewish wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus \(Xerxes\), and her cousin Mordecai persuaded the king to retract an order for the general annihilation of Jews throughout the empire \(Esther 5: 1-2, 9-18\). The massacre had been plotted by the king's chief minister, Haman, and the date decided by casting lots \(purim\). Instead, Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai; and on the day planned for their annihilation, the Jews destroyed their enemies. This composition, influenced by <a onclick="return OpenOther\('/html/v/veronese/02a/2nave/1ceilin1.html'\)" href="/html/v/veronese/02a/2nave/1ceilin1.html">Veronese,</a> is a good example of Padovanino's art. His paintings are generally characterized by a decorative effect, clear compositions, and an abundance of beautifully rendered and narrative details. They are proof of his abandonment of Mannerism, which had become shallow, and his return to the artistic ideals of the High Renaissance. ## Related artworks - [Liberale Persuades the Emperor to Absolve Two Innocents Condemned to Death \(detail\)]() - [Liberale Persuades the Emperor to Absolve Two Innocents Condemned to Death]() - [Miracle of St Dominic]() - [Samson and Delilah]() - [Semiramis Called to Arms]() - [Sleeping Venus with Putti]() - [The Madonna with Design of a Shrine]() - [The Penitent Magdalene]() - [Venus Blindfolding Cupid \(detail\)]() - [Venus Blindfolding Cupid]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()