Jacopo del Sellaio (c. 1441-1493) – The Coronation of Esther by Ahasuerus Part 4 Louvre

The composition presents a ceremonial scene unfolding within an elaborate architectural setting. A central figure, presumably a king, is depicted in the act of crowning a woman who kneels before him. He wears a richly adorned green and purple robe, his beard prominent and styled with intricate curls. The crown itself appears to be composed of multiple tiers, suggesting both authority and divine sanction.
The kneeling woman’s attire is equally opulent, featuring a white gown accented by gold embroidery and a delicate veil that partially obscures her face. Her posture conveys humility and submission, yet theres also an element of dignified grace in her bearing. The artist has carefully rendered the folds of her garment to emphasize the texture and weight of the fabric.
Surrounding this central pair are several other figures, all dressed in elaborate costumes indicative of a courtly setting. To the king’s left stands a man in a red robe, seemingly an attendant or advisor. Further back, women in various colored gowns – crimson, green, and white – observe the proceedings. Their expressions range from attentive interest to quiet reverence.
On the right side of the scene, two figures blow trumpets, announcing the coronation with fanfare. The architectural backdrop is characterized by a series of arches and columns, creating a sense of depth and grandeur. A patterned screen or lattice work is visible through one archway, hinting at further spaces beyond the immediate setting.
The color palette is dominated by rich jewel tones – greens, reds, purples – contrasted with the white of the woman’s gown and the gold accents throughout. The use of light is somewhat even, though a subtle emphasis falls on the central figures, drawing the viewers attention to the coronation itself.
Subtleties within the scene suggest layers of meaning beyond the literal depiction of a crowning ceremony. The careful arrangement of the figures, their gestures, and the opulent details of their attire all contribute to an atmosphere of solemnity and importance. The presence of the trumpeters underscores the public nature of this event, while the expressions on the faces of the onlookers convey a sense of shared significance. There is a deliberate formality in the poses and arrangement that speaks to established hierarchies and protocols within the depicted society.