1690_Esther_and_Mordecai_de_Gelder.txt http://www.artbible.info/art/large/174.html Arent de Gelder 1645 – 1727 Esther and Mordecai Writing the Second Letter of Purim oil on canvas — ca. 1690 RISD Museum of Art, Providence RI Arent de Gelder biography This work is linked to Esther 9:29 After Haman's plans for the extermination of all Jews in Persia had been frustrated by Esther and Mordecai, king Ahasuerus gave the Jews permission to take revenge. In the tradition of the Old Testament the Jews killed tens of thousands of perceived enemies. This feat was widely celebrated. Mordecai had replaced Haman as the king's most important servant. Esther was the king's wife; both Esther and Mordecia were jewish. Together they wrote two letters to the jews in all 127 provinces of Persia, calling to celebrate the victory every year on the 14th en 15th day of the month Adar. The name of the feast, Purim, comes from the Persian word for lot: pur. Haman had cast lot to determine the day his plans were to be executed.