Who painted Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon?

Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon was painted by Master of the King Solomon Triptych in 1521.

Where can I see Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon?

Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon is held by Mauritshuis.

What movement is Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon?

Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon

Master of the King Solomon Triptych , 1521

Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Master of the King Solomon Triptych. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.

About this work

Overview

Triptych with the Life Story of Solomon is an oil painting executed in 1521 by the anonymous artist known as the Master of the King Solomon Triptych. The work is composed of three hinged panels and is part of the collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague.

Subject & Meaning

The central panel presents a woman in a blue dress surrounded by a varied group of figures, including a man in a red robe and another woman in white, suggesting a narrative moment from the biblical account of King Solomon. The flanking panels continue the story, with the left showing a gathering around a female figure and the right depicting a woman in red accompanied by a man in a white robe, together illustrating episodes from Solomon’s life.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil on panel, the triptych displays the meticulous detail and rich coloration characteristic of the Northern Renaissance. The artist’s handling of light and layered pigments creates depth and texture, especially in the fabrics and facial expressions, guiding the viewer’s attention toward the central figure.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the work has remained in the Netherlands and is now housed in the Mauritshuis. Its attribution to the Master of the King Solomon Triptych reflects a scholarly consensus based on stylistic parallels with other works of the same hand.

Context

The painting belongs to a period when biblical narratives were frequently commissioned for private devotion or ecclesiastical settings. Its triptych format allowed for a sequential visual retelling of Solomon’s story, aligning with contemporary devotional practices that emphasized contemplation of scriptural episodes.