John Martin (Haydon Bridge, Northumberland 1789-1854 Douglas, Isle of Man)

This watercolour depicts a scene from the Book of Esther, chapter VI. Mordecai, a cousin of Esther the Queen, refused to subject himself to Haman the King's favourite. Haman in revenge tried to persuade King Ahasuerus that Mordecai should be hanged and all the Jews destroyed. However Ahasuerus, recalling that Mordecai had once warned the Queen of an attempt on his life honoured Mordecai instead, and Haman was forced to lead Mordecai in triumph dressed in the King's robes and riding the King's horse.