Artwork
King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba
King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Antwerp Adoration Group. It dates from 1518 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba is an oil on panel painting, later transferred to canvas, depicting a biblical scene in a decorative style characteristic of Antwerp Mannerists.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates King Solomon on his throne receiving gifts from the Queen of Sheba and her attendants. This scene, along with its companion piece, King David Receiving the Cistern Water, symbolizes the Old Testament prefiguration of nations submitting to Christ as king.
Technique & Style
Executed in the Antwerp Mannerist style, the work features elaborate details, exotic costumes, opulent architecture, and luxury items, showcasing the artist's penchant for depicting grandeur and luxury.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a folding triptych's interior wing, with the Adoration of the Magi at its center (now lost), the painting is attributed to the Master of the Antwerp Adoration Group, a collective of largely anonymous Antwerp artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Antwerp Adoration Group
This anonymous painter from 16th-century Flanders made big, detailed Bible scenes.
King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba
St. Barbara Directing the Construction of a Third Window in Her Tower
Marriage of St. Ursula and Prince Conan
The presentation of Mary in the temple
Saint Rumbold Taking Leave of his Parents
King David Receiving the Cistern Water of Bethlehem
Dymphna’s Father Proposes to her
Martyrium der hll. Cantius, Cantianus und Cantianilla (Innenseite); Auferstehung Christi (Außenseite)
Baptism of Dymphna, with the Death of Dymphna’s Mother Represented in the Background
Der hl. Veit entsagt den Freuden der Welt
The presentation of Mary in the temple
King David Receiving the Cistern Water of Bethlehem