Artwork

Salomón

Salomón, by Master of Becerril, oil, 1525
Salomón, by Master of Becerril, oil, 1525

Salomón is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Master of Becerril. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Created in 1525, this oil on canvas portrays the biblical figure Solomon seated upon an elaborate throne.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the biblical king Solomon, a traditional symbol of wisdom and royal authority in Christian art.

The painting shows the biblical king Solomon, a traditional symbol of wisdom and royal authority in Christian art. Its depiction draws on the narrative of Solomon's judgment and his reputation as a wise ruler, reflecting Counter-Reformation emphasis on didactic storytelling through sacred subjects. The work was created in 1525 by the Master of Becerril, an artist active in Spain during the early 16th century, and is housed in the Museo del Prado, where it remains part of the museum's collection of religious paintings.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting on wooden panel, created in 1525 by the Master of Becerril. It measures 90.8 cm in height and 87.7 cm in width, depicting the biblical figure Solomon. The painting belongs to the religious genre and was executed using oil paint as the medium.

Its formal qualities reflect the stylistic characteristics of early 16th‑century Spanish religious art, with a composition and handling typical of the period.

History & Provenance

The work titled Salomón was created in 1525 by the Master of Becerril as an oil painting on panel, originally intended for religious purposes. It entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. The painting measures 90.8 cm in height and 87.7 cm in width.

Salomón, an oil-on-panel painting by the Master of Becerril dated 1525, is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. The work, which depicts the biblical figure Solomon, is recorded in the museum's holdings, though no specific inventory or accession number is documented in the available sources.

No exhibition history for the painting is recorded in the sources provided.

Legacy

The painting Salomon by the Master of Becerril, created in 1525, is housed in the Museo del Prado and has come to symbolize early Spanish Renaissance interpretations of the biblical king’s wisdom. Its composition and use of oil on panel influenced later Spanish artists who referenced the figure in devotional works, contributing to a sustained scholarly interest in the artwork’s iconography. The piece is frequently cited in studies of 16th‑century religious painting, underscoring its enduring reputation within art‑historical discourse.

Overview

Created in 1525, this oil on canvas portrays the biblical figure Solomon seated upon an elaborate throne. The work, attributed to the anonymous painter known as the Master of Becerril, is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado. The composition combines regal attire with symbolic objects, presenting a dignified yet approachable image of the wise king.

El rey David
El rey David, Master of Becerril

Artist & collection

Artist

Master of Becerril

This anonymous Spanish painter from the early 1500s made small religious panels with bold colors.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Salomón?

Salomón was painted by Master of Becerril in 1525.

Where can I see Salomón?

Salomón is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Salomón?

Salomón is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Salomón?

Museum-quality prints of Salomón are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.