Claude Lorrain – Queen Esther Approaching the Palace of Ahasuerus (1658)

Description

This work of art has been digitally enhanced without erasing signs of ageing for the sake of authenticity. Digital paintings are very popular right now as an affordable and stylish way to decorate and personalize your home and office.

Claude Lorrain – Queen Esther Approaching the Palace of Ahasuerus (1658)

“This magnificent compositional study, which came to light in the late 1980s, stands out in Claude’s graphic oeuvre for its high degree of finish and detail. The biblical subject is set in an invented landscape animated by a diffuse naturalistic light. It was presumably made as a presentation drawing for François Bosquet, bishop of Montpellier, who had commissioned from the artist a pendant to his Sermon on the Mount (Frick Collection, New York).

The resulting painting, considered by Claude to be his most beautiful, was later largely destroyed by fire (a fragment survives at Holkham Hall, England). Claude here depicts the Old Testament story of Queen Esther, who went to the king’s palace to implore mercy for her condemned people. As uninvited appearances before the king were forbidden under penalty of death, Esther collapsed in fear as she neared his throne, a scene commonly depicted by Baroque artists.

By choosing instead the moment of Esther’s approach to the palace, which is not described in the biblical text, Claude has shifted the focus from the clemency of the king to Esther’s act of bravery when its outcome was still unclear.”

After purchase you will have access to a PDF document with a link to these files available for download: 5×7”, 8×10”, 9×12”, 11×14”, 16×20″, 18×24″, 24×36″ and A1.

All files are in JPG format and at 300 PPI/DPI resolution. Please note that colours on your screen may be slightly different from the actual print.

This is not a physical item therefore nothing will be shipped to you.

You can download the PDF file at checkout after the payment clears.

Since these are printable downloads, refunds cannot be issued. Should you have any issues or questions please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

For personal use only. Please do not use our digital art files for commercial use or resale.

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