“The Judgment of Solomon” is a classic religious painting executed by the French artist Nicolas Poussin in 1648. This artwork, comprised of chalk on paper, exemplifies the Classicism art movement and measures 24.8 cm in height by 38.4 cm in width. The prestigious Louvre in Paris, France, houses this notable piece that resonates with deep religious significance.
The artwork depicts a famous biblical story from the First Book of Kings in the Old Testament. The scene is set within a grandiose architectural environment where Solomon, King of Israel, sits elevated on his throne, embodying both wisdom and authority. He is draped in a voluminous red cloak that seems to enhance his regal stature and the gravity of the judgment he is about to deliver.
In front of Solomon, two women are embroiled in a vehement dispute over the maternity of an infant. To the right, a woman pleads earnestly, evoking compassion with her expression, her body language indicating her protective instinct and genuine maternal love. On the left, a soldier obedient to Solomon’s command holds a child by the ankles, dramatically poised to divide the infant with his sword—an act meant to expose the true mother.
The assembled onlookers exhibit a range of emotions, from shock and disbelief to anticipation. Some turn away, unable to watch the potential tragedy unfold. Their gestures and expressions heighten the tension and convey the gravity of the situation at hand.
Poussin’s composition strategically uses light, color, and the deliberate placement of figures to draw viewers into the narrative climax. The onlooker’s expressions and the contrasting calmness of King Solomon anchor the artwork in a moment of revelation and impending truth.
