Bidspirit auction | 17th Century Italian School -

17th Century Italian School - Pair of scenes of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba - Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 99 x 137 cm. A pair of important paintings belonging to the late 17th-century Italian school depicting the biblical episode of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, specifically the queen's arrival in Jerusalem accompanied by a lavish retinue. The compositions are notable for their narrative character, the rich staging, and the monumental scale of the figures, typical of the great historical and biblical paintings of the Italian Baroque. The works are preserved in their original molded and cream-lacquered walnut frames, richly carved with laurel wreaths and pomegranates, symbols of power, prosperity, and royalty. Old inventory marks are visible on the reverse. The depicted episode refers to the biblical account: ”The queen of Sheba entered Jerusalem with a very large retinue and great riches, with camels bearing spices and a great quantity of gold and precious stones, and she appeared before King Solomon” (1 Kings, chapter 10). This theme was extensively explored by the great Italian masters of the Cinquecento, such as Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese, and combines biblical narrative with an early interest in the exotic and the Orient, a precursor to the so-called ”Turkish” style that developed from the 16th century onward. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipment: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.