Solomon and the Queen of Sheba :: Essays Papers

Solomon and the magnate of ShebaOn Francesco del Cossas Meeting of Solomon and the faery of ShebaThe Italian artist, Francesco del Cossa, created an oil painting on a embellish 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(prenominal) 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 ii 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 m ain 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 viewers 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 aforementioned(prenominal) color as the dome of Solomons 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 ideal 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 starting line to be used in painting during the 15th century. The vanishing point lies on the central angelic statue above the arch of Solomons throne. The lines created by the checkered adorn and the landscape in the background suggest the depth and distance of this image.