Salomo tot koning van Israël gezalfd 1607

Sisto Badalocchio created this etching, titled *Salomo tot koning van Israël gezalfd,* at an unknown date. Badalocchio’s career unfolded in the context of the Counter-Reformation and the consolidation of Papal power in Italy. Here, we see the anointing of Salomon as King of Israel, a pivotal moment in biblical history laden with themes of power, succession, and divine will. Badalocchio’s image emphasizes the performative aspects of sovereignty: the gestures, the communal agreement, and the visual markers of authority. The artist draws our attention to the complex intersections of religion, gender, and politics in the 17th century. This image does not merely illustrate a biblical narrative, but also reflects contemporary concerns around leadership, legitimacy, and the relationship between the earthly and the divine. The act of anointing is presented as a moment of transformation, a visible manifestation of power that is both deeply personal and profoundly public.