Oordeel van Salomo 1728

This print, "The Judgment of Solomon," was made by Gilliam van der Gouwen, who died in 1740. The scene renders a famous story from the Hebrew Bible, in which King Solomon resolves a dispute between two women, each claiming to be the mother of the same child. Looking at this print, we see a fascination with legal authority and wisdom in the Dutch Republic. Solomon’s elevated position and regal garb, not to mention the sword about to cleave the baby in two, is a comment on the visible signs of power. The story became so popular in the 17th century because it was the perfect allegory for justice. Understanding this print means looking at the visual culture of law and justice in the Dutch Republic, and how biblical stories were used to reinforce social norms. By studying court records, legal treatises, and other images of justice from the period, we can better understand how this print operated in its own time. Art is always embedded in its social and institutional context.