36″ x 23.5″, Venetian Vitreous Glass, smalti, gems, gold tessera, gold leaf on panel. Completed in November 2004.
This is a private moment in Queen Esther’s difficult situation after realizing the seriousness of the decree written by Haman. I portray her as a thoughtful figure with eyes full of unspoken misfortunes. Identity concealment forces her to remain calm and collected, even in view of such terrible news. Her preoccupied gaze is the only indication of the inner struggle with creating a survival plan, both for her and her people.