The Anointing of Solomon

1668

Standing left of centre is the priest Zadok, who anoints the kneeling Solomon as king of Israel. De Lairesse was here clearly intent on displaying his artistic skills. Portraying a large group of people crowded together and seen from a low vantage point is quite a challenge. The inscription pinxit (in the text below) suggests that the print is after a painting which is no longer known.