Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

Haman Prepares to Honour Mordecai

oil on canvas (127 × 116 cm) — ca. 1665 Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to Esther 6:8

Also known as Haman recognizes his fate or The disgrace of Aman. Haman is the vizier, the most important adviser, of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The king has ordered him to organize a parade to honour the Jew Mordecai. Mordecai had reported a murder plot to the king.

Rembrandt shows the reluctance Haman feels regarding this assignment. He had expected that he himself would be honoured. Moreover, he holds a grudge against Mordecai as Mordecai is the only one who refuses to bow in front of him.

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