Gastmaal van Ester 1666

Zacharias Blijhooft created this pen and brown ink drawing, “Gastmaal van Ester,” likely in the mid-17th century. The subdued palette of browns and grays creates a somber mood, which is enhanced by the loose, sketch-like quality of the lines. Structurally, the composition is anchored by the figures of Ester and Ahasuerus, positioned on either side of a table. The artist's use of line varies from delicate, in the rendering of faces, to more emphatic, in the drapery. This contrast creates a visual rhythm that guides our eye across the scene. The figures in the background, though less defined, add depth to the space, drawing us into the narrative. Consider how Blijhooft employs the semiotic language of his time. The opulence of the costumes and the setting signal power and status, yet the raw, unfinished quality of the drawing disrupts any sense of idealized representation. It invites a questioning of fixed meanings. The tension between the sketched form and the implied grandeur opens up space for interpretation. This work challenges us to look beyond the surface.