The Wrath of Ahasuerus
1640 - 1724
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
61; 11.5; 74
About this artwork
A.C.M.H. Kessler-Hülsmann Bequest, Kapelle op den Bosch
Art Historical Context
Gerbrand van den Eeckhout’s *The Wrath of Ahasuerus* captures a dramatic moment from the Book of Esther, in which the Persian king confronts betrayal at his court. Painted in oil on canvas during the Dutch Golden Age, the work reflects the period’s fascination with biblical narratives that explored themes of justice, power, and divine providence. Van den Eeckhout, a pupil of Rembrandt, employs rich color and expressive gestures to heighten the emotional tension of the scene. Measuring just 61 by 74 centimeters, the compact canvas demonstrates the artist’s ability to convey complex storytellin...
About the Artist
Gerbrand van den Eeckhout · 1621–1674
Comment on works: Religious; History; Portraits; Landscapes