1-158-774 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Esther in the presence of Ahasuerus, 1866. Esther (Haddash or Hadassah) coming into the presence of King Ahasuerus fainting in fear as she expects to die if it is discovered that she is a Jew. The Persian King Ahasuerus, looking for a new Queen asks all the beautiful virgins in his kingdom to be brought to him. He selects Esther who has kept secret that she is a Jew as her people are reviled by the Persians. Ahasuerus makes her his Queen and by revealing the plot of Haman, the king's chief adviser, she gains favour for her people. Ahasuerus is thought to be Xerxes I who ruled Persia from: -485 to: -465. An episode in the Old Testament book of Esther. From The Bible by Gustave Dore. (London, 1866).