Artwork
King Solomon
King Solomon is a tempera drawing by the Impressionist artist Simeon Solomon. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1874, *King Solomon* is a drawing by British artist Simeon Solomon. Executed on paper that has been adhered to a board, the work measures the artist’s engagement with historical and biblical themes during the middle of his career. It is presently identified as a tempera piece, with selective varnish applications that enhance its surface.
Subject & Meaning
While the drawing does not contain overt symbolism, its title and subject suggest an exploration of authority and knowledge within a historical context.
The composition depicts the biblical monarch Solomon, a figure traditionally associated with wisdom and wealth. Solomon’s portrayal aligns with Solomon’s broader interest in Jewish narratives, reflecting his recurring focus on cultural and religious subjects. While the drawing does not contain overt symbolism, its title and subject suggest an exploration of authority and knowledge within a historical context.
Technique & Style
The image was rendered primarily in egg tempera, a medium that allows for fine detail and luminous color. Small touches of varnish were added to accentuate certain areas, creating subtle contrasts on the paper support. The handling of line and form shows the influence of the Pre‑Romantic aesthetic, emphasizing clarity and decorative precision characteristic of the Pre‑Raphaelite circle with which Solomon was associated.
History & Provenance
Simeon Solomon’s career was interrupted by legal troubles in the early 1870s, including arrests for alleged sodomy in 1873 and 1874. *King Solomon* was produced amid this turbulent period, marking one of the last works completed before his imprisonment. The drawing later entered private collections before being acquired by a museum, where it remains on display as part of the artist’s late oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Simeon Solomon (9 October 1840 – 14 August 1905) was a British painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelites who was noted for his depictions of Jewish life and same-sex desire.
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