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1 of 253523 objects
The story of Esther and Haman c.1520-1550
Black chalk, pen and brown ink, wash, heightened with white (darkened), on paper toned brown. Remains of a blue decorative border with traces of gold. | 22.9 x 37.2 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 990649
After Michelangelo Buonarroti (Caprese 1475-Rome 1564)
The story of Esther and Haman c.1520-1550
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A copy of one of the four pendentives in the corners of the Michelangelo's frescoes, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
The Book of Esther (III-VII) recounts that Haman, as he sought to destroy the Jews of Persia, was ordered to be put to death on the gallows by King Ahasuerus. On the left, Queen Esther denounces Haman’s persecution; on the right King Ahasuerus commands his punishment; in the centre, Haman is crucified. Haman is a prototype of Christ and prefigures Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The drawing is of low quality and hard to place, but may be by a Bolognese artist.Provenance
Probably among the drawings listed in George III’s Inventory A, c.1800, p. 46, ‘Mich: Angelo Buonaroti’, Vol. 2, ‘36 to 53. Copy's of Mich: Angelo's Sketches for the Ceiling of the Sixtine Chapel.’
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Black chalk, pen and brown ink, wash, heightened with white (darkened), on paper toned brown. Remains of a blue decorative border with traces of gold.
Measurements
22.9 x 37.2 cm (sheet of paper)
