The Triumph of Mordecai

Bartsch's only state and Usticke's first state of two. A fine 17th century impression with margins, in good condition aside from a printer's crease on the right, two inches from the top of the platemark. The plate is no longer in existence. Catalogue Reference: Bartsch 40; Usticke 40 i/ii; Hind 172. Collectors stamp of C.Delanglade on verso (Lugt No.660).  

The print shows a scene from Chapter VI of the Book of Esther. The Jew Mordecai had helped foil a plot to assassinate the King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus asked his advisor Haman, a sworn enemy of the Jews, how he should honor a man who had done him a great service. Thinking the king was referring to himself, Haman suggested the man be dressed in the king’s robes and led in triumph through the city. Once Haman realized the king was speaking of honoring Mordecai, he was greatly humiliated. However the worst was yet to come, as punishment for conspiring against the Jews, Haman was hanged from the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. The figures of King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther are watching from the balcony at the right and have often been considered portraits of Rembrandt and Saskia.