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 decorated throne on which Ahasuerus sits, holding out to her the golden sceptre; the border in imitation of a frame has probably been added, with 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 the plan of the minister Haman, who was planning 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 Royal Aubusson Manufactory. The model chosen was based on 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, represented on the left in the background.