AUBUSSON FABRICS, late 17th-early 18th century Esther presents herself to King Ahasuerus In wool and silk; Esther, followed by two maids, is shown on the right, kneeling at the foot of the richly ornamented throne on which Ahasuerus sits, holding out to her the golden scepter; the imitation frame border has probably been added; wear, old restorations and reweaving, reduced in height and probably in width. Dimensions: 243 x 452 cm (95 ¾ x 178 in.) An Aubusson Biblical tapestry, late 17th-early 18th century By imploring the king's help, Esther succeeds in thwarting Haman's plan to have the Jews of Ahasuerus' kingdom murdered. The subject, taken from the Old Testament book of Esther, was a great success with private clients, and the hanging was woven several times in the workshops of the Manufacture Royale d'Aubusson. The chosen model re-uses the composition of Esther before Ahasuerus engraved by Jean Le Clerc (late 16th-early 17th century). This original composition simultaneously depicts Esther's supplication and the illness of the king, depicted on the left in the background.