Esther Accusing Haman at the Banquet c. 1579

Curator: This is Hans Collaert the Elder’s “Esther Accusing Haman at the Banquet,” a striking print residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels almost theatrical, doesn't it? The figures are arranged like actors on a stage, the composition is symmetrical, and the colors are incredibly vibrant. What was the printing process like? Curator: It's an engraving, allowing for the clear delineation of forms and fine detail. Notice the intricate drapery and the expressions on their faces; those choices communicate so much about the characters and their roles. The material production allowed for circulation and widespread consumption of biblical narrative. Editor: Yes, the lines contribute to the overall formality. It's interesting how the artist uses color to differentiate between characters, and how the garments suggest wealth and status, reflecting the material culture of the era. Curator: Indeed. It's a window into the past, offering insight into artistic techniques and the socio-economic context in which it was created. Editor: Absolutely, and engaging with its production process makes its symbolic language all the more compelling.