Characters and Architecture from The Book of Esther in the Works of European Artists

Authors:

Pages: 63-78
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/PZDC9938

Abstract:

Visual representations of the Old Testament Queen Esther occupy a prominent place in European art. They appear in the works of some of the most talented artists across various periods and stylistic movements. Our paper examined the visual compositions, following the story narration, the main characters with their relations and also followed the “scenic” characteristics of the setting and its spatial-architectural context. The focus is on artworks from the Early Modern period, up to the 19th century. The outcomes lie in the fields of art studies, as well as in the broader context of European art and architectural history. We conclude that the story of Esther in the selected European paintings revealed the evolution of stylistic and plastic tendencies, individual author’s features, the transformation of public views, and the constantly existing social contradictions in relation to: social status, power–subordination, one’s own–others, reward– punishment.

Keywords:

Old Testament narrative, visual interpretation, artistic styles, female figures.

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