The Judgment of Solomon, after Raphael 1511 - 1551

Biagio Pupini made "The Judgement of Solomon, after Raphael" in the 16th century using pen and brown ink with brown wash, heightened with white gouache, over black chalk, on blue paper. During the Italian Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity, influencing not just artistic styles but also cultural values and societal norms. In this drawing after Raphael, we see King Solomon seated, his arm raised as a soldier prepares to cut a baby in half to resolve a dispute between two women claiming to be the child's mother. The story highlights themes of motherhood, truth, and justice, reflecting the patriarchal structures of Renaissance society where men held positions of power and authority. The emotional intensity of the scene, with the women's desperation and the soldier's poised sword, invites us to consider the gendered dimensions of power and the consequences of patriarchal judgements on women's lives. Pupini captures the drama of the moment while prompting reflection on the complexities of justice, motherhood, and the human condition.