The Judgment of Solomon 1500

Andrea Mantegna’s ‘The Judgement of Solomon’ depicts a scene from the Hebrew Bible, likely painted in Italy in the late 15th century. The fresco uses monochrome to focus our attention on the narrative; the wise King Solomon resolves a dispute between two women both claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Mantegna's work reflects the values and interests of its time. Solomon, enthroned and central, epitomizes just and rational rule, an ideal that would have resonated in a society grappling with issues of governance and law. Notice how the artist sets the scene; the figures, arranged almost like a theatrical tableau, invite viewers to consider the moral and social implications of the story. The drama unfolding before us is not just a biblical tale, but a reflection on justice, truth, and the social order. To truly understand art, we need to delve into the historical context. Researching the artistic traditions, religious beliefs, and social structures of the time can reveal layers of meaning. Art is contingent on its social and institutional context.