Illustration XXVIII: Solomon makes a contract with Hiram of Lebanon to collaborate in building a Temple to God (III Kings 5) c. 16th century

Editor: This is Illustration XXVIII: Solomon makes a contract with Hiram of Lebanon to collaborate in building a Temple to God. It’s an anonymous work, but it looks like a woodcut. What symbols jump out at you when you see this image? Curator: Notice the sword held between the figures. It isn't about literal violence, but a ritual gesture, a symbolic cutting of a deal, almost sacramental. Consider the imagery of temple-building – a space for encounters with the divine, reflecting humanity’s enduring desire to create meaning through shared spaces. Editor: So, the sword represents a binding agreement? Curator: Exactly! And observe how the artist emphasizes the gaze between the figures, signifying not just the agreement, but the trust necessary for such an undertaking. The temple itself becomes a potent symbol of unity and collaboration. Editor: That’s a fascinating connection between the physical act and the symbolic meaning. I see a lot more than just a contract now!