Oordeel van Salomo 1665

François Tortebat created this print, The Judgement of Solomon, sometime in the 17th century, which captures a pivotal scene from the Old Testament. Amidst the rigid social hierarchies of 17th-century Europe, this story of justice offered a potent commentary on power and maternal identity. The narrative unfolds with two women, both claiming motherhood of the same child, bringing their dispute before King Solomon. His ingenious solution: to bisect the child and divide the body equally. Here, the raw emotion of motherhood is laid bare, revealing an internal struggle that transcends societal expectations. The print invites us to consider the roles assigned to women within patriarchal structures. The true mother, in an act of selfless sacrifice, relinquishes her claim to save her child's life, challenging traditional representations of women as passive figures. Tortebat's work reflects a societal tension between prescribed roles and authentic human experiences. Ultimately, The Judgement of Solomon is not just a depiction of biblical wisdom but a reflection on the complexities of identity, justice, and the profound depths of maternal love.