Curator's Choice

The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt

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Luminous painting centered on a light-skinned woman sitting, while a cloaked woman brushes her hair. The sitting woman has a round face and long strawberry-blonde hair; she wears a glittering gown in deep red and gold. The woman behind her is in a teal ho

Sunday, April 27, 2025
11 am – 1 pm EDT
Scheuer Auditorium

Join as a member at the Friend level or above to attend a private, behind-the-scenes lecture on the exhibition The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt with Curator of Judaica, Abigail Rapoport.

For immigrant Jewish communities living with new freedom in more tolerant Amsterdam, celebrating Purim—notably through finely produced Esther scrolls and theater productions—became meaningful expressions of Jewish culture. For the Dutch, Queen Esther’s heroism came to represent their emerging nation’s identity. This exhibition gives expression to this full range of the Book of Esther’s popularity and meaning in Rembrandt’s time.

Free for members at the Friend level and above.

RSVP, join, or upgrade your membership to attend by calling 212.660.1519, or email [email protected].
 

Rembrandt van Rijn. A Jewish Heroine from the Hebrew Bible, 1632-1633. Oil on canvas. 109.2 x 94.4 cm. National Gallery of Canada, purchased 1953.