Salomo rijdend op Davids ezel 1783

"Salomo rijdend op Davids ezel", or Solomon riding on David's donkey, is an ink drawing by Adam von Bartsch. Bartsch lived through the tumultuous years of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The artwork depicts a biblical scene, laden with implications of power, succession, and divine right. Solomon's ride on David's donkey wasn't just a procession; it was a symbolic transfer of authority, solidifying his kingship. The act of riding an animal can denote class and position in society. Solomon is elevated above the crowd, embodying his elevated status. Notice the reactions of the people. Some kneel, some stand in reverence, while others seem to discuss the event. The artist captures the spectrum of responses to authority and the complexities inherent in succession and leadership. The drawing provides an emotional and personal connection to biblical narratives.