Herbouw van de muren van Jeruzalem en Esther bezoekt koning Ahasveros 1791

Jacob Folkema created this print, "Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem and Esther Visits King Ahasuerus," sometime between 1692 and 1767, which is now held at the Rijksmuseum. The print shows two biblical scenes. In the top half, the walls of Jerusalem are being rebuilt, while the bottom half shows Esther’s visit to King Ahasuerus. These scenes speak to themes of restoration and power, especially in light of Folkema’s historical context: the Dutch Golden Age. This was a period marked by prosperity but also religious and political tensions. The story of Esther, in particular, resonates with the experience of marginalized groups, as she was a Jewish woman who became queen and used her influence to save her people. The print thus becomes a powerful symbol of resilience, reminding us of the emotional strength and determination required to rebuild not just physical structures, but also communal identities. It invites reflection on themes of leadership, resistance, and the courage to confront authority.