Esther Crowned by Ahasuerus c. 1579

Curator: Hans Collaert the Elder gives us "Esther Crowned by Ahasuerus," a detailed print now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels so theatrical, doesn't it? The colors are rich, almost gaudy, and the composition's so busy. Curator: The piece really shows off Collaert's skills as a printmaker. Look at the intricate lines and the way the color's applied; it’s all about technique and the labor involved. Editor: But beyond the craft, think about the story. Esther, a Jewish woman, becoming queen and saving her people, it challenges the very patriarchal structures of power. Curator: Right, and these prints were often part of larger publications, contributing to the broader dissemination of ideas and cultural values. Editor: Exactly, making "Esther Crowned" not just a beautiful object, but a tool for shaping societal narratives, especially regarding women and power. Curator: It makes me appreciate the labor of early printmaking. Editor: And it reminds me of the power in retelling stories of female agency.