Salomon aanbidt een afgodsbeeld 1500 - 1553

Editor: Here we have Adriaen Pietersz Crabeth’s drawing, “Salomon aanbidt een afgodsbeeld,” which translates to “Solomon Worships an Idol,” created sometime between 1500 and 1553 using pencil. The sketch-like quality gives it an unfinished, ghostly feel. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: This drawing is incredibly potent, especially when we consider its historical and social context. It depicts a powerful, supposedly wise, king succumbing to idolatry. But what does that mean? To me, it signifies the dangers of unchecked power, of patriarchal figures yielding to influence and straying from their moral compass. We see this play out again and again throughout history and, arguably, in contemporary politics. What power structures are being questioned here, do you think? Editor: Well, the fact that it’s Solomon, known for his wisdom granted by God, makes me think about religious authority. Maybe it’s critiquing the ways earthly power corrupts even those divinely chosen? Curator: Precisely. Consider, too, the role of women in this narrative – traditionally, Solomon is led astray by his foreign wives who introduce him to their deities. We can interpret this as a commentary on the historical suppression and demonization of women and non-dominant belief systems. The 'othering' is strong in these historical depictions, wouldn't you agree? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered before! Seeing it as a commentary on the 'othering' and demonization of women does shed a new light on the artwork. Curator: Exactly. It reminds us that art is never created in a vacuum, but reflects and reinforces prevailing societal attitudes. Hopefully this work encourages viewers to critically analyze our present social and political systems, too. Editor: This was really enlightening. Thank you for sharing your insights!