Live Auction 7781Old Master Prints
Christie’s roundel
Lot 38

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

The Triumph of Mordecai (B., Holl. 40; H. 172)

Closed8 December 2009

Price Realised

GBP 15,000

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Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Triumph of Mordecai (B., Holl. 40; H. 172)
etching with drypoint, circa 1641, without watermark, a very good impression, printing with considerable burr, with 4-5 mm. margins, a small repaired hole below the standing boy's chin at right, a few small brown stains on Mordechai's abdomen, a few pinpoint foxmarks and a tiny rust mark, otherwise in good condition
P. 174 x 214 mm., S. 183 x 214 mm.

Specialist note

The Old Testament book of Esther, from which the present scene is drawn, was a particular source of inspiration for Dutch artists of the period. Esther, a Jewish orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai, married King Ahasuerus, who was unaware of her origins. Haman, the King's chief minister, who was an enemy of the Jews and personal foe of Mordecai persuaded the King to order the massacre of the Jews throughout his empire. After Esther intercedes, the King relents and orders Haman's execution on the gallows prepared for Mordecai.