The Dream of Solomon by Luca Giordano Date: 1693

The Dream of Solomon is a painting by Luca Giordano, completed in 1693. Luca Giordano was an Italian Baroque painter known for his large-scale, dramatic compositions with vibrant colors and dynamic movements.

Story :

The subject of The Dream of Solomon comes from the biblical story of King Solomon as recounted in 1 Kings Chapter 3: Verses 5-14 :  who, in a dream, is asked by God what he would wish for. Instead of asking for wealth, power, or a long life, Solomon famously asks for wisdom to govern his people. This request greatly pleases God, who grants him not only wisdom but also riches and honor.

Moved by Solomon’s selflessness, God grants him unparalleled wisdom, making him the wisest man of his time. Yet God’s generosity does not stop there. He also bestows upon Solomon the riches, honor, and long life he had forgone in his request, ensuring his reign would be marked by both greatness and prosperity. This act of divine favor sets Solomon apart as a king whose wisdom and judgment would become legendary throughout the ages.

Giordano’s painting captures this pivotal moment, often depicted with Solomon either asleep or receiving a vision from God, typically represented as a bright light or a divine figure above him. The composition would likely show Solomon in a humble posture, with vivid contrasts between light and shadow typical of Baroque art, emphasizing the divine revelation.

The Baroque Context:
The Dream of Solomon was created during the Baroque period, a time when art sought to evoke emotional involvement and convey a sense of the grandiose. The Baroque style emerged in the late 16th century and flourished into the 17th century, heavily influenced by the Catholic Church’s Counter-Reformation, which aimed to inspire faith through art that was rich in emotional and spiritual intensity.