Court Betrothal Scene

A king dressed in an ermine-lined cloak and seated under a baldachin receives a young woman who kneels in front of him. The woman is accompanied by a group of maidservants. The subject has been described by Krongard as a betrothal scene. It could represent Esther's audience with Ahasuerus (Book of Esther 4-5). Although Ahasuerus is usually shown extending his scepter toward Esther, he is also portrayed as outstretching his arms toward her as an expression of concern and sympathy. The bearded man standing in between the two might be Haman, Ahasuerus's main advisor. The style, composition and costume types are consistent with tapestry production in Brussels around 1500. The tapestry was cut down and new floral borders were added.