Follower of Jacob de Wet I (Haarlem 1610-1697 Amsterdam), The Idolatry of Solomon

Oil on canvas laid on aluminum panel, unsigned, presented in a gilt frame with gallery plaque engraved "Jacob de Wet / Willem de Poorter."

Panel 36 x 29 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 40 1/4 x 34 1/2 in.

In 17th-century Flemish art, the Idolatry of Solomon emerged as a popular and symbolically charged subject, reflecting both religious anxieties and artistic opportunities for elaborate composition. This Old Testament narrative, in which King Solomon, swayed by his many foreign wives, turns from God to worship pagan idols, resonated deeply in the context of the Counter-Reformation. Flemish painters, particularly those influenced by Peter Paul Rubens and his workshop, used the theme to caution against spiritual corruption and the dangers of sensual temptation. The story allowed artists to combine dramatic biblical storytelling with opulent settings, richly adorned figures, and exotic architectural motifs—elements that showcased their technical virtuosity and appealed to Catholic patrons seeking moral and didactic imagery. These paintings often juxtaposed the wisdom and splendor of Solomon with the folly of his downfall, making them both visually compelling and spiritually instructive.

Laid on an aluminum panel; scattered retouch visible under UV light.