This dramatic scene is from the Old Testament of the Bible. Esther, wife of the King of Persia, is pointing accusingly at Haman, a treacherous friend of the King. King Ahasuerus is sitting in the shadows behind Esther. The strong contrasts of light and shade, and the theatrical poses create a vivid scene. The style and subject are characteristic of the History painting style, which carried great prestige at this time. Ernest Normand was a successful London painter. He showed this picture at the Royal Academy, London in 1888;