King Ahasuerus & Queen Esther', 1865

King Ahasuerus & Queen Esther', 1865

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Photograph entitled 'King Ahasuerus & Queen Esther' taken by Julia Margaret Cameron in 1865. Albumen contact print from wet collodion negative. This photographic study of the author Henry Taylor (1800-1886), Mary Ryan (1848-1914) and Mary Kellaway (born 1846) forms part of the Herschel Album, created by Cameron for her friend Sir John Herschel (1792-1871). Cameron's inspiration for this photograph came from the Bible. Esther appeared in 'glorious apparel' to persuade King Ahasuerus to overturn his order to kill all the Jews in his kingdom: 'The queen fell down, and was pale, and fainted, and bowed her head upon the head of the maid that went with her.'

Details

Category:
Photographs
Object Number:
1984-5017/77
Materials:
paper (fibre product)
Measurements:
overall: 317 mm x 271 mm
type:
photograph and albumen print
credit:
Sotheby's