Ezra Reading the Law and Esther before Ahasuerus, Pieter Mortier, circa 1700

This original copperplate engraving from Pieter Mortier's illustrated Bible, Amsterdam circa 1700, shows two biblical scenes on one sheet: Nehemiah 8, Ezra reads the Law to the people, and Esther 5, Esther appears before King Ahasuerus. The upper scene illustrates Nehemiah chapter 8, where Ezra the scribe reads the book of the Law of Moses aloud to all the people gathered in Jerusalem. Ezra stands on a raised platform before a monumental gateway, one arm lifted, while a great crowd kneels and listens, some bowing their heads, others raising their hands.

The lower scene shows Esther chapter 5, the moment when Queen Esther appears unbidden before King Ahasuerus, risking her life to plead for her people. The king leans from his canopied throne and extends his sceptre towards her, while Esther kneels with her attendants in a richly furnished hall with carpets, curtains and potted trees. Each scene carries its own engraved caption with the scripture reference in Dutch and French, and the sheet is numbered 116 in the lower margin.

Mortier's illustrated Bible stands among the landmarks of Dutch Baroque book illustration. The Amsterdam publisher brought together a team of designers and engravers, with contributing artists including Gerard Hoet, Arnold Houbraken and Bernard Picart, to produce a continuous pictorial narrative of scripture, each copper plate carrying two scenes framed like paintings hung on a wall. This sheet is signed in the lower margin by Bernard Picart as designer, with the engraving signed by Cornelis Huyberts. The upper scene also carries the signature of Jan Luyken as engraver. The sheet is printed on laid paper with full margins, and the reverse is blank.

For display, the tall double composition works well in a hallway or beside a bookcase, and a pair or group of Mortier sheets makes a coherent wall of Baroque religious art. Collectors of engravings illustrating the return from exile will find it a well documented and attractive example.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with light toning, a creased upper left corner with a small loss and minor edge wear; the image itself is clean and strong.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.