“Solomon Praying in the Temple in the Presence of the Congregation of Israel (I Kings, VIII, 23-30)” is an artwork by Marc Chagall, created circa 1956 in France. The medium of the artwork is etching on paper, a piece that measures 34 x 25.9 cm. It belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is categorized under the genre of religious painting. This piece is part of the series titled “Etchings for the Bible,” which spans from 1930 to 1939 and from 1952 to 1956.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene where Solomon, adorned in regal attire, is shown on his knees with arms uplifted in prayer within the temple of Jerusalem. Above Solomon, an ethereal figure, possibly an angel or divine presence, is illustrated emanating rays of divine light onto him. The congregation of Israel is gathered behind Solomon, their faces etched to express reverence and attention. The temple’s architectural elements, like columns, provide a sense of grandeur and sacred space, further emphasizing the solemnity of the scene.
