Koningin van Seba brengt Salomo geschenken 1615

Orazio Borgianni created this print, ‘Queen of Sheba bringing gifts to Solomon’, sometime in the early 17th century. The image depicts a regal encounter laden with cultural and political meaning. Made in Italy, this work reflects the period’s fascination with biblical narratives, often used to explore themes of power, diplomacy, and wealth. Note the composition, which emphasizes the exoticism of the Queen’s gifts. This was a period marked by expanding trade routes and increasing cultural exchange, yet also defined by European dominance and colonial aspirations. Images like these served not only as artistic expressions but also as visual tools to negotiate cultural differences. To understand this print more fully, we can examine the history of European engagement with other cultures, studying records of trade, diplomacy, and religious missions. It is through this contextual work that the artwork’s complexities and historical significance come to light.