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King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

Not on view

Painted for a marriage between the Sienese Insegni and Spannochi families (identified by their coats of arms), this front from a chest (cassone) shows the Queen of Sheba departing for Jerusalem and meeting King Solomon in his palace, as recounted in the Bible. The charming and naïve style of this anonymous master owes much to the work of Giovanni di Paolo, who is well represented in The Met.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
  • Artist: Master of Lecceto (Italian, Sienese, third quarter 15th century)
  • Medium: Tempera on wood, embossed and gilt ornament
  • Dimensions: Overall 20 3/4 x 70 1/8 in. (52.7 x 178.1 cm); left, painted surface 13 7/8 x 24 1/2 in. (35.2 x 62.2 cm); right, painted surface 14 x 24 3/4 in. (35.6 x 62.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
  • Object Number: 14.44
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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