Judgement of Solomon by Gustave Doré, 1 Kings 3:16-28, Bible.Gallery
Judgement of Solomon created and it was drawn with engraving style.
Artwork Description
In Solomon's youth, the Lord appeared to him in a dream during the night and asked him what he desired. Solomon, displaying remarkable wisdom even at this early stage, replied, "Grant your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this great nation?" His request was granted by the Lord, and a striking demonstration of his wisdom occurred shortly after.
In this particular event, two women came before King Solomon, each claiming a child. One child was dead, and the other was alive. Both mothers asserted that the living child belonged to them. Facing this perplexing situation, Solomon proposed a solution. He ordered a sword brought before him and declared, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other." The response of the women to this proposition revealed the true mother. The genuine mother immediately expressed her deep love for the child, urging the king not to harm the baby. In contrast, the other woman callously agreed to the division. King Solomon swiftly discerned the truth and ruled in favor of the real mother. The people of Israel, witnessing this wise judgment, recognized the divine wisdom within Solomon and held him in awe.
The artist has effectively captured the essence of this profound moment. King Solomon, in his regal attire, stands with a raised hand, announcing his sagacious decision—a shrewd appeal to maternal instincts. The executioner, sword in one hand and the living child in the other, looks towards the king, seeking confirmation of the ruling. The false mother remains indifferent, if not content with the outcome, while the true mother, driven by her maternal heart, falls to her knees in an earnest plea, her anxiety palpable in every aspect of her figure.
It is worth noting that there is an Oriental tradition that Solomon once mediated a peaceful resolution between two claimants to the same treasure by decreeing that the son of one should marry the daughter of the other. However, this account pales in comparison to the remarkable story depicted in this artwork.