Simeon Solomon (1840-1905)

The story of the Judgement of Solomon comes from the Hebrew Bible, and is the tale of how King Solomon of Israel ruled between two women both claiming to be the mother of a child. Solomon suggested that they cut the baby in two, with each woman to receive half, and by their reactions was easily able to discern who the real mother was. Here, Solomon is depicted seated, holding a reed pen and about to give his judgement.