The Book of Esther in Art

The holiday of Purim celebrates the heroine Queen Esther and her deliverance of the Jews from the ancient Persian Empire.

The Jewish heroine Esther swoons before her husband, King Ahasuerus of Persia, after risking her life to stave off a massacre of the Jewish people. "Esther before Ahasuerus," 1620's, by Artemisia Gentileschi. Public Domain

The Jewish holiday of Purim originates from the Book of Esther. This Hebrew Bible story features the beautiful Queen Esther, her uncle Mordecai, her husband the Persian King Ahasuerus, and his government official Haman.

Unbeknown to the king, Esther is Jewish. When Haman plots to have the kingdom’s Jews massacred, Mordecai urges his niece to intercede on behalf of her people. Demonstrating great courage, Esther persuades the king to save the Jews. Purim celebrates the victory of the Jews and Esther’s bravery.

Queen Esther