The Judgment of Solomon
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 29.5 x 38.7 cm (11 5/8 x 15 1/4 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Charles Hack
Accession Number
2008.55.2
Art Historical Context
Created around 1600, *The Judgment of Solomon* captures the well-known biblical scene in which King Solomon wisely resolves a dispute between two women claiming the same infant. This engraving was produced by Willem Swanenburgh after a design by the Dutch artist Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael, reflecting the close collaboration between painters and printmakers during the period. Such reproductive prints allowed compositions originally conceived in paint to reach wider audiences across Europe. Executed in engraving on laid paper, the work showcases the fine linear techniques that gave prints their ...