Twee studies voor Het oordeel van Salomo 1660 - 1667

This drawing, "Two Studies for the Judgment of Solomon," was made by Moses ter Borch. The image depicts King Solomon, surrounded by his court, presiding over the infamous dispute between two mothers. Notice the turban, a motif seen across various cultures, marking status and wisdom. The turban, here, signals Solomon's authority, reminding us of similar headdresses in Renaissance paintings of Eastern figures, or even the turbans worn by learned men in Persian miniatures. The gesture of Solomon’s hand is also very significant, the way he might be gesturing towards something, an object, or a direction. The symbol might convey profound spiritual or moral truths, and this imagery, which is deeply rooted in our collective consciousness, continues to surface, transformed but still potent, throughout history. It is a recurring, powerful symbol, charged with meaning and emotion.