The Judgement of Solomon
1617 Statens Museum for Kunst
About this artwork
A large-scale oil on canvas masterpiece by Rubens depicting the biblical story from 1 Kings 3. The composition emphasizes dramatic movement, muscular anatomy, and rich, vibrant colors.
Did you know?
This painting depicts the dramatic climax of the Judgement of Solomon, where King Solomon orders a child to be split in half to reveal the true mother through her reaction. Rubens heightens the tension by capturing the executioner in the moment he prepares to strike, while the biological mother kneels in desperation to stop him. The work is a quintessential example of Rubens' ability to manipulate light and shadow to create intense psychological drama.
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The Judgement of Solomon
Peter Paul Rubens, 1617
