Sunday, June 8, 2025
3:30 – 5 pm EDT
Exhibition Galleries, Skirball Lobby

Participants in the ASL community are invited to explore The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt through a tour led by Andrew Rubin.

About the exhibition:

In the age of Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 – 1669), the biblical Book of Esther was a key source of inspiration for diverse communities in Holland, both Jewish and Christian. Traditionally, the Esther story is read annually on the Jewish holiday of Purim. 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. Rembrandt and his contemporaries depicted essential scenes of Esther’s story in paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. This exhibition gives expression to this full range of the Book of Esther’s popularity and meaning in Rembrandt’s time. 

Due to limited capacity, ASL students will not be admitted to the program and no voice interpretation will be provided. 

All Access Programs are free of charge and require advance reservation. Please contact access@thejm.org or 212-423-3289 for any questions or to request accommodations.