Artwork
Solomon Worshipping Idols
Solomon Worshipping Idols is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Brosamer. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hans Brosamer, a German artist active in the mid‑16th century, produced the engraving *Solomon Worshipping Idols* in 1545. Executed on laid paper, the print measures within the typical size of his independent works and reflects his focus on religious narrative during his years in Fulda.
Subject & Meaning
The image illustrates a biblical episode in which Solomon, crowned and robed, kneels before a collection of idols. Surrounding figures, also in long garments and headwear, form a semi‑circular crowd within an architectural setting that suggests a courtyard or temple, emphasizing the theme of idolatry and royal apostasy.
Technique & Style
Brosamer employs a fine, linear engraving technique, using dense cross‑hatching to model forms and create depth. The intricate line work renders textures on fabrics, stone columns, and arches, while the careful modulation of light and shadow contributes to a realistic spatial atmosphere characteristic of German Renaissance prints.
History & Provenance
The print belongs to the period when Brosamer was documented in Fulda (1536‑1545), a time when he produced numerous woodcuts and a limited number of engravings for books and standalone circulation. Its survival on laid paper indicates it was likely intended for private devotional use or as an illustration for a contemporary text.
Context
*Solomon Worshipping Idols* aligns with the broader Protestant Reformation climate of the 1540s, when depictions of biblical condemnation of idolatry were common. Brosamer’s choice of this subject reflects the theological concerns of his German audience and the didactic role of print media in disseminating reformist ideas.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Brosamer was a German draughtsman, printmaker and painter of the Renaissance period. His life has left hardly any documentary trace, other than his prints, but he was active in Fulda from 1536 to 1545, and later worked in Erfurt.
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