Valance

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Silk and wool on canvas · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The scenes illustrate the biblical account of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti as told in the Book of Esther. Ahasuerus commanded Vashti to show her beauty to those gathered at a feast. She refused and was banished. Although this story was rarely depicted, that of Esther, Vashti's successor, was a particularly popular subject in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century embroideries. Intended for a bed, this valance was most likely part of a set showing scenes from the story of Esther. The contrasting examples of a willful and a virtuous wife lead one to conjecture that the set was a wedding gift.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Silk and wool on canvas

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of William R. Appleby, in memory of Gerda Appleby, 1991