De kroning van Esther 1896

"The Coronation of Esther" is a print by Lucien Pissarro, son of Camille Pissarro, known for his engagement with both Impressionism and the British Arts and Crafts movement. This piece depicts a biblical scene in which Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen of Persia. Look at the visual language. Pissarro blends the aesthetic principles of the Arts and Crafts movement with a personal exploration of identity. The emphasis on detailed patterns and the flattened perspective are typical of the movement, while the choice of subject reveals the artist’s engagement with themes of cultural identity and historical narrative. Esther’s story is about a woman who bravely conceals her identity to protect her people. This narrative invites us to reflect on the complexities of power, identity, and representation. In the story, Esther’s actions alter the course of history for her community, inviting us to consider the roles individuals play in shaping collective destinies. In times of cultural change, how do we understand our own identities? How do we decide to present them to the world?