拍品專文
The Old Testament book of Esther, from which the present scene is drawn, was a particular source of inspiration for Dutch artists of the period. Esther, a Jewish orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai, married King Ahasuerus, who was unaware of her origins. Haman, the King's chief minister, who was an enemy of the Jews and personal foe of Mordecai persuaded the King to order the massacre of the Jews throughout his empire. After Esther intercedes, the King relents and orders Haman's execution on the gallows prepared for Mordecai.