Who painted Judgment of Solomon?

Judgment of Solomon was painted by W. Morrison in 1826.

Where can I see Judgment of Solomon?

Judgment of Solomon is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Judgment of Solomon?

Judgment of Solomon is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Judgment of Solomon

W. Morrison , 1826

Judgment of Solomon is a print by the Romanticist artist W. Morrison. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print, titled 'The Judgment of Solomon,' illustrates a pivotal biblical scene. Created as an engraving, it showcases a dramatic moment with a crowd gathered around a central figure.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts King Solomon's judgment, a story where the king determines the true mother of a disputed child. The composition is tense, with figures reacting to the king's decision, conveyed through their facial expressions and body language.

Technique & Style

The artist employed shading techniques to create depth, making the figures stand out against a dark background. The use of dramatic lighting and intense emotions aligns with the characteristics of Romanticism, an art movement that emphasized emotion and drama.

History & Provenance

Published in 1826 by R. Bowyer and M. Parkes in Pall Mall, this engraving was adapted from a print by Bolswert after a work by Rubens. The original adaptation indicates the enduring influence of Rubens' compositions on later artists.

Artist & collection

Artist

W. Morrison

W. Morrison’s paintings of kids in the 1860s look like photos that somehow forgot the camera was there—tiny hands clutch chalk, hats sit crooked, one girl’s braid dangles like a question mark. The faces feel alive…