Hanging (Depicting the Story of Esther and King Ahasuerus) (Needlework)

This needlework hanging recounts two scenes from the Old Testament story of Esther and the Persian king Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes). At the left, the seated Mordecai pleads with his cousin Esther, the Jewish queen, to intercede with the king to prevent the massacre of the Jews in the empire planned by the chief minister. At right, Esther swoons as Ahasuerus agrees to see her unannounced. In the end, the king heeded Esther's plea, and the enemies of the Jews were killed instead. The deliverance of the Jews in ancient Persia is celebrated annually on the Jewish holiday of Purim.