Oordeel van Salomo Possibly 1630 - 1702

This is an engraving of "The Judgment of Solomon" by an anonymous artist, residing here at the Rijksmuseum. The composition is immediately striking, divided between King Solomon’s court on the left and the stark drama unfolding on the right. The use of line creates detailed figures and architectural elements, with a central focus on the emotional expressions of the women and the poised executioner. The artwork is structured around a dichotomy: justice versus instinct. Solomon, surrounded by advisors, represents the societal order, while the two mothers embody conflicting claims of maternal love. The horizontal orientation emphasizes the narrative's progression, moving from deliberation to action, highlighting a key structural tension. The graphic nature, typical of engravings, enhances the drama and moral lesson. It underscores the era’s complex negotiation between religious morality and human behavior. In viewing this piece, reflect not just on the story, but how its formal elements create a lasting impression of wisdom, deceit, and profound human emotion.