Analysis Of Matthias Stom´s The Judgment Of Solomon

On display at the Museum of Fine Art, Houston; Matthias Stom's 1640 painting of "The Judgment of Solomon" can be found in the "Friends of Old Masters" gallery against a light gray wall enclosed in a black frame with gold detail. This baroque style painting is oil based paint on canvas with a glossy finish. The appearance of the painting is in good condition considering its age. Known for illustrating religious and chaotic scenes, Stom depicts a story out of 1 Kings where two mothers each had a son, one son died and both mothers claimed the living child as their own. Solomon was a wise king and he ordered the living boy to be cut in two and half given to each mother, knowing the true mother wouldn't let her child be killed. This story is beautifully told through dark paint yet illuminated with lighter paint which gives the visual effect of actual lighting. Stom uses paint to make the illusion of light.
While the center of the painting is important, when closely examined, more intimate details emerge. Such as the expressions of the audience, although hidden in the shadows of the dark paint, the faces are full of life. The lifeless body of the child in dull color next to the bright gowns of the two mothers and King Solomon, could be easily overlooked, yet is brought to light by the little boy holding a candle. While the chaos is extreme, this appears to be in the middle of the night, or in a dark room due to the curtain hanging from above and no natural light being depicted, only candlelight. Stom used the dark shade to enhance the light, and bring about a scene of