Esther and Ahasuerus, c. 1460-1485, 134 3/4 x 128 in. (342.27 x 325.12 cm) (irregular), Wool, silk; tapestry weave, Flanders, 15th century, This tapestry depicts several scenes from the Old Testament story of Esther. A beautiful young Jewish woman, Esther, was the queen of King Ahasuerus of Persia. When the king¡¦s chief advisor, Haman, ordered all the Jews in Persia killed, Esther appealed to the king. At the left, Ahasuerus receives Esther and agrees to attend a banquet she has prepared. At the banquet (right), Esther asks Ahasuerus, who had not known she was Jewish, to spare her people. He grants her request, and Haman is later put to death.