Esther Denouncing Haman to King Ahasuerus by Ernest Normand

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;