Artwork

Esther vor Ahasver

Esther vor Ahasver, by Paolo Veronese, unspecified, 1593
Esther vor Ahasver, by Paolo Veronese, unspecified, 1593

Esther vor Ahasver is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Paolo Veronese. It dates from 1593 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Esther vor Ahasver is a 1593 painting by Paolo Veronese, a prominent Venetian artist associated with the Mannerist movement.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene from the biblical story of Esther and King Ahasuerus, capturing a moment of confrontation between the two figures.

Technique & Style

Veronese's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, with dramatic lighting highlighting the gold pattern on a woman's dress against her dark sleeves, while dark shadows and bright spots populate the background.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a testament to its enduring significance as part of Veronese's oeuvre.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paolo Veronese

Artist

Paolo Veronese

Paolo Caliari (1528 – 19 April 1588), known as Paolo Veronese ( VERR-ə-NAY-zay, -⁠zee, US also -⁠see; Italian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter based in Venice, known for extremely large history paintings of…