DEPICTIONS OF PROPHET SOLOMON IN CHRISTIAN ICONS AND OTTOMAN MINIATURE ART

Abstract

From the paganism to the rise of monotheism and onwards, kings and rulers have introduced religion as part of their conduct in the socio-political construct of the society. One of the great rulers of the Old Testament, Solomon has been an important figure not only in Hebrew history but also in Christian and Islamic traditions.

The purpose of this study is to make an iconographical evaluation of Solomon’s depictions in mural paintings and mosaics of Christian tradition and Ottoman illuminated manuscripts with regard to the typology and evolution of an idealized sense of imperial rule.