Oordeel van Salomo 1765 - 1794

"Oordeel van Salomo" (Judgment of Solomon) is a black and white etching by Pierre Viel, created between 1765 and 1794. This print depicts the biblical story of King Solomon resolving a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child. The scene shows Solomon ordering a soldier to divide the child in two, prompting the true mother to plead for her child’s life, revealing her maternal instinct and prompting Solomon to award her the baby. Viel's etching is a masterful example of 18th century printmaking, showcasing the artist's skill in depicting detail and emotion.