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The Judgement of Solomon

Image credit: Compton Verney

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One of a pair of paintings depicting stories from the Old Testament which date from Giordano’s later career. In The Judgement of Solomon, two women bring one living and one dead child before the King. The first tells Solomon that the second woman accidentally smothered her own child in the night and out of grief swapped their children over. Both women claim to be the living child’s mother and appeal to Solomon, who proposes to divide the child between the two women with a sword. The first woman implores him to give the child to the second, while the second approves of the bargain as she prefers that they both end up childless. Thus, Solomon identifies the first woman as the child’s rightful mother. Giordano captures the dramatic moment of Solomon’s proposition, just as the sword is drawn.

Compton Verney

Compton Verney

Title

The Judgement of Solomon

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 62.5 x W 74.5 cm

Accession number

CVCSC : 0380.1.S

Acquisition method

purchased, 2008

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

Compton Verney

Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ England

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