Procession of the Queen of Sheba (detail) 1466

This detail of "Procession of the Queen of Sheba" was painted by Piero della Francesca in the 15th century in Arezzo, Italy, as part of a larger fresco cycle. Considered one of the early Renaissance's finest artists, Piero often infused his religious scenes with a humanist perspective. His interest in geometry and perspective are reflected in the composition's clarity and balance. The fresco depicts the Queen of Sheba's legendary journey to Jerusalem to witness the wisdom of King Solomon. Yet, rather than focusing on the exoticism of a foreign queen, Piero renders her and her attendants with a distinctly Northern European appearance, dressed in contemporary Renaissance garments. It is as if Piero reimagines the biblical narrative through the lens of his own cultural context. The Queen and her court become a mirror reflecting the values and aesthetics of Renaissance society. Piero invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of faith, cultural identity, and the ever-evolving ways in which we interpret history.