FREE ESSAY ON SOLOMON AND THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

SOLOMON AND THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

On Francesco del Cossa's Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
The Italian artist, Francesco del Cossa, created an oil painting on a panel during the
mid-15th century called Meeting of Solomon and the Queen Sheba. This work is now
displayed in the Boston Museum of Fine Art. The plate that identifies the painted tray in
the museum explains that this twelve sided tray is a ceremonial tray, most likely in
honor of the marriage of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and given to them as a gift. The
back of the tray was against the wall but the identification plate noted that two cupid
figures with cornucopias and coral necklaces were painted there to symbolize good luck
and fertility.
The most striking part of this work is the symmetry. The symmetrical architectural
structures perfectly centers the palace. The dome of the palace perfectly divides the
arch behind it; the highest point of the palace perfectly divides the sky within the main
arch.
The next most noticeable point of this painting is where the figures of the Queen of
Sheba and Solomon stand. They appear to protrude out from the rest of the painting. Each
has an out turned foot that comes into the viewer's space. This aspect and the symmetry
make it apparent that the Queen and Solomon are the characters to be focused on. 
The deep color is very striking, especially the abundance of reds, pinks and purple. It
seems very bold, perhaps suggesting the royalty of the subjects. The overcast gray sky is
the same color as the dome of Solomon's palace. Perhaps the dome is supposed to look as
if it is made of metal, but it appears to reflect the trouble that is about to storm. The
entire painting is almost composed exclusively of shades of red and black, with
highlights of blue. The use of color is not realistic, but very symbolic.
Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba utilizes many of the techniques that were
beginning to be used in painting during the 15th century. The vanishing point lies on the
central angelic statue above the arch of Solomon's throne. The lines created by the
checkered floor and the landscape in the background suggest the depth and distance of
this image. Francesco del Cossa filled the space he had. All space is taken advantage of
by detail of architecture and people. The arches and circular lines may suggest motion.
As a whole, this painting is very geometrical with the twelve-sided frame, the repetition
of the arches and the line of people represented across the lower half of the work. 
The people in this painting are telling. The viewer first notices the Queen of Sheba and
Solomon, who are at the so close to the edge of the floor that if they took one more step
they would step to the ground. Their hands just slightly touch, but do not hold
eachother, as if they would rather not have their hands that close together. This may
suggest that this marriage is not a ceremony of love, but one of necessity. This is also
reflected by their eyes, which do not meet. In fact, Solomon appears to be in a daze,
almost possessed. The Queen of Sheba has a slight smile on her lips but her down turned
eyes make her seem sad. 
The subjects on either side of the Queen and Solomon are interesting as well. Almost
every woman appears to be in the "correct" place. They seem quite proper with their hands
clasped in a similar fashion behind the Queen. They appear to be supporting her. The men
behind Solomon are less organized. Two men, one in a bright red cloak, appear to be
having a conversation of their own, taking away from the important event that is
depicted. There is a mysterious man in black in the background at the right. He is
leaning against his own small archway; his hat and dress are unlike the others'. He holds
a strange red object at his waist. There is also a small woman wearing all black in the
lower left part of this painting. She does not display the same darkness that the man
does. She could be a nun. Over all, the subjects on the Queen's side of the painting look
more stately and supportive than the men on Solomon's side. 
After noticing the exposed brick on the right side of the main arch that appears to be
falling apart, I took note that Solomon's half seems less "perfect" than the Queen of
Sheba's side does. The people behind him don't appear to care about what he is doing as
much as the Queen's followers care. They also are placed more randomly in comparison to
the organization of the Queen's women. The man in the red cloak is barely even looking at
the situation and has his back turned to us. It is interesting that I first noted the
"perfect" symmetry of the painting, but as I investigated more, I noticed how different
the details make each side.
This painting evokes me to feel that there is something bad about Solomon. It gives off
the feeling of a bad premonition. The dark brewing storm foreshadows, to me, that this
event will not end joyously. And the dark details of the left side appear to suggest that
the problems that lie ahead will likely be the fault of Solomon.
I wonder how I would have accepted this as a wedding gift. I believe that at first I
would find it very beautiful, but then, as I had a chance to study it, I would begin to
wonder what Francesco del Cossa meant to convey. Is he really suggesting that the meeting
of my husband and I was a dark moment, with trouble brewing? Did he dislike my husband or
know something about him that I did not know? And who are the ominous characters in
black?
Francesco del Cossa created a very interesting piece. It seems to be rich with symbolism
and thought. He used the perspective techniques of art of the time to paint a tray that
is thought provoking.
Bibliography
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