RAFFAELLO Sanzio
(b. 1483, Urbino, d. 1520, Roma)

The Judgment of Solomon

1518-19
Fresco
Loggia on the second floor, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican

In the arch of the eleventh bay of the loggia there are four frescoes illustrating the story of Solomon. One of Raphael's workshop assistants designed and carried out the work, but it is not known which one. Raphael's own work on this theme in the Stanza della Segnatura is convincing because he confined himself to six beautiful single figures who play their role in the story with powerful expression. The scene in the loggia version, on the other hand, is developed within the space.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 3 minutes):
George Frideric Handel: Solomon - Chorus: Your harps and cymbals