Who painted Esther confounding Haman?

Gustave Doré painted Esther confounding Haman.

What Bible passage does Esther confounding Haman depict?

Esther confounding Haman depicts the biblical scene from Esther 7.

Esther confounding Haman by Gustave Doré

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Martin Luther once expressed his desire for the non-existence of Esther and her book, a sentiment echoed by others in subsequent times. Their objections revolved around the book's perceived exclusivity, vengeful spirit, omission of God's name, and its portrayal of events on an earthly plane. However, it's widely acknowledged that even if the name of God isn't explicitly mentioned, His divine influence is evident. The most unassuming reader, linking Ahasuerus' dispute, the sleepless night, and the suspenseful lot-drawing, cannot help but discern the workings of divine Providence in the final outcome. This subtlety may serve to reinforce the notion.

As for the book's exclusivity, it is essential to consider the context of the period when these events took place. The vengeful feelings portrayed should serve as a cautionary example rather than a model for emulation.

There are also profound and inspirational aspects within the central character of the story, who was immortalized by Handel's genius and sanctified by Racine's piety. Esther exhibits remarkable patriotism and unwavering self-sacrifice when she proclaims, "I will go in unto the king, and if I perish, I perish." Her courage is further evident in her bold confrontation with the king's favored advisor. The artist accurately captures the grandeur of the architecture, Esther's resolute posture, the king's escalating fury, and Haman's dejected countenance, leaving nothing exaggerated in this depiction.

Details

Artist: Gustave Doré
Medium: engraving
Passage: Esther 7

Found in: Esther, Esther 7

Esther 7

1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.

2 The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”

3 Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.

4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for male and female slaves, I would have held my peace, although the adversary could not have compensated for the king’s loss.”

5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen, “Who is he, and where is he who dared presume in his heart to do so?”

6 Esther said, “An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

7 The king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden. Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman had fallen on the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in front of me in the house?” As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.

9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, “Behold, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing at Haman’s house.” The king said, “Hang him on it!”

10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

Esther 7 · World English Bible

The artist

Gustave Doré

1832 - 1883

Strasbourg, France

Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré (6 January 1832 – 23 January 1883) was a French artist, printmaker, illustrator, comics artist, caricaturist, and sculptor who worked primarily with wood-engraving.