Solomon's Wisdom - Maria Lynch
This painting by Luca Giordano is called the Dream of Solomon and depicts the moment in King Solomon’s story when he dreams of talking with God. Solomon asks God for the gift of wisdom to rule with and God is very pleased with that request (1 Kings 3:1-15). In the painting God is looking down at Solomon sleeping and beams of light are streaming directly from God’s eyes into Solomon. God’s wisdom is being transferred into Solomon’s body.
Luca Giordano was born in 1634 in Naples and spent time growing up in many neighboring cities such as Rome and Florence (5). Rome in the 17th century was a time of renewal and expansion (1). It was a time of rebirth, growth of wisdom and intellectual revolution (1, 2). In Europe during the 17th century, ideas about nature, man and religion were evolving (2). When Europe broke into independent states during the 1600s, the rulers of each state governed what religion was practiced (2). Europe was a place for enlightenment thinkers (2). Luca spent much of his time around Europe and especially in Madrid during his later years (5). This painting was created for King Charles II of Spain in 1693 (3). Luca Giordano was known for painting heroic depictions of the biblical stories of Solomon and David for the Spanish Court (3).
Even though King Charles II (1665-1700) is associated with the decline of Spain, agricultural output increased while the textile and artistic production flourished (6). King Charles II was frail and weak at the end of his life (6). It was thought that he lacked intelligence and he ruled with poor leadership (6). King Charles II may have asked Luca Giordano to paint this scene of the Bible to represent the king’s own emotions about his ruling. Since King Charles II was having a hard time ruling with leadership and he was probably hoping for a miracle to save his monarch. He wanted to be a successful ruler but had many struggles. King Charles II needed guidance and help from many ministers to rule (6). He was nicknamed "the bewitched" from all of his struggles (4).
Luca Giordano interpreted the rebirth and growth of Europe into this painting being symbolized as Solomon receiving his wisdom to rule over his kingdom with. Europe was in an age of new beginnings and expansion just like Solomon was starting a new beginning with wisdom. The transfer and birth of new knowledge in Europe at this time is paralleled with God’s eye light beams streaming into Solomon. Solomon asked for knowledge to rule over his kingdom with to be a successful king. The rich colors in the painting show contrast between the bright lights around Solomon and the angels.
Luca Giordano was asked by King Charles II to paint this scene from the Bible. Giordano incorporates the European revolution rebirth into his interpretation of this story. King Charles II may have wanted this painting to be made because at this time his leadership over his rule was failing and needed knowledgable guidance. Both interpretations emphasize the power of knowledge and the rebirth of an age.
- "Rome and Southern Italy, 1600–1800 A.D.". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=09®ion=eusts (October 2003)
- Damerow, Dr. Harold. "17th Century." 17th Century. April 29, 2003. Accessed December 21, 2015. http://faculty.ucc.edu/egh-damerow/17th_century.htm.
- Kren, Emil, and Daniel Marx. "Dream of Solomon by GIORDANO, Luca." Dream of Solomon by GIORDANO, Luca. Accessed December 21, 2015. http://www.wga.hu/html_m/g/giordano/1/dream_s.html.
- Somerville, J.P. "Spain in Decline." Spain in Decline. Accessed December 21, 2015. https://faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/351/351-06.htm.
- "Luca Giordano." The National Gallery. Accessed December 21, 2015. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/luca-giordano.
- Campbell, Jodi. "Charles II (Spain) (1661–1700)." Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (December 21, 2015). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3404900203.html
