Artwork

King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba

King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba, by Master of the Antwerp Adoration, oil, 1517
King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba, by Master of the Antwerp Adoration, oil, 1517

King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Antwerp Adoration. It dates from 1517 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

King Solomon Receiving the Queen of Sheba is a 1517 oil painting by the Master of the Antwerp Adoration, a Flemish artist active in Antwerp. The work depicts a biblical scene in the style of Antwerp Mannerism and is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates the biblical encounter between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, emphasizing regality through formal composition and attire. The king wears a blue robe, while the queen is depicted in a white dress and blue hat, surrounded by attendants bearing symbolic objects like a scepter and a book.

Technique & Style

Characterized by Antwerp Mannerism, the painting features elaborate, exotic garments on numerous figures. The artist employed a range of colors, including gold, blue, and white, with a notable use of glazing techniques to achieve depth and luminosity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1517, the painting is attributed to the Master of the Antwerp Adoration, an artist defined by their activity in Antwerp between 1500 and 1520. It is currently part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Context

The work reflects the artistic and religious inclinations of early 16th-century Antwerp, where Mannerist styles and biblical themes were prominent. The inclusion of detailed, exotic clothing also hints at the city's position in global trade and cultural exchange.

Legacy

While specific lasting influences of this painting are not broadly documented, it contributes to the understanding of Antwerp Mannerism's evolution and the artistic interpretation of biblical narratives during the early 16th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Master of the Antwerp Adoration

Artist

Master of the Antwerp Adoration

The Master of the Antwerp Adoration (active 1500 – 1520) was a Flemish painter in the style of Antwerp Mannerism, whose compositions are typically filled with agitated figures in exotic, extravagant clothes.