King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba 1720 - 1721

Francesco Solimena created this drawing, King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, using graphite on paper. The composition is dominated by a flurry of figures sketched with rapid, energetic lines, creating a sense of movement and dynamism. The light and shadow are suggested through hatching and cross-hatching, adding depth to the scene. Solimena masterfully orchestrates the interplay between structure and fluidity. The architectural backdrop, with its arches and elevated platform, provides a structured framework, while the figures introduce a sense of liveliness. This deliberate contrast invites us to think about the relationship between power, represented by the architecture, and humanity, embodied by the figures within it. The sketch format underscores the inherent instability of meaning, presenting the scene not as a fixed narrative but as a moment of ongoing construction and interpretation. It is this openness that imbues the work with its enduring appeal.