Jan (Johann) Boeckhorst (1604/1605-1668), The Queen of Sheba Brings Gifts to King Solomon, Jan (Johann) Boeckhorst (1604/1605-1668), The Queen of Sheba Brings Gifts to King Solomon

118.5 × 170 cm

Jan Boeckhorst came from Munster, Germany, but from 1626 he lived in Antwerp, where he was admitted to the Guild of St. Luke in 1633/1634. He collaborated with Rubens on his large commissions. Between 1635-1637, he made a trip to Italy.

The Queen of Sheba, accompanied by several court ladies, kneels before Solomon's throne and points to the gifts she brings to the famous king; golden vessels and jewels. The white silk dress and blue coat set her apart from the other muted characters. The beautiful faces of the court ladies standing around the queen are painted with special care. King Solomon, depicted at a young age, asks what the remarkable visitor wishes. King Solomon is surrounded by his advisors, wise old men with beards, one of whom looks at the viewer on the left. The composition, with columns and architecture in the background, is inspired by Venetian painting. An 18th-century painting by Balthasar Beschey of the same subject shows a similar composition. Both works were perhaps inspired by a common pattern. Certificate written by Dr. Klaus Ertz
118.5 × 170 cm
Oil on canvas