This sublime Biblical tapestry likely made in the Flemish weaving center of Oudenaarde. With a history of tapestry production dating to 1368, the city created some of the finest tapestries of late Medieval and Renaissance Europe. The 16th century, when this piece was created, is considered Oudenaarde's golden age of tapestry production.

Rendered in mottled blue, green, and gold, the tapestry with its surrounding border cycle tells the story of the beautiful Queen Esther pictured to the right of King Ahasuerus with his royal vizier Haman pleading for his life after his plot to destroy the Hebrew people was uncovered. Subsequently Haman was sentenced to death and the Jewish nation saved. This deliverance is celebrated today in the Feast of Purim.

122 inches by 130 inches