This engraving depicts the famous biblical story of King Solomon's judgement, found in 1 Kings 3. It illustrates the moment when Solomon resolves a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of a child. The scene is dramatic, with Solomon seated on a throne at the left, symbolizing his kingly authority and wisdom. He gestures commandingly, presiding over the dispute with calm assurance.
At the center of the composition, one of the women pleads passionately, while the other appears steadfast. A soldier or executioner stands nearby, holding a sword, ready to divide the living child as Solomon had proposed in his test to reveal the true mother. The emotional intensity is heightened by the crowd of onlookers, whose expressions range from shock to awe at Solomon's wisdom.
Below the image, the title is presented in six languages: Hebrew, English, German, Latin, French, and Dutch, signifying the universal moral and religious significance of the story. The engraving comes from Tafereelen der Voornaamste Geschiedenissen van het Oude en Nieuwe Testament, a monumental Bible illustration work published by Pieter de Hondt in The Hague in 1728. The series aimed to depict major events from the Old and New Testaments, combining artistic skill with religious instruction.