does not display the same darkness that the man does. She could be a nun. Over all, the subjects on the Queen’s side of the painting look more stately and supportive than the men on Solomon’s side. After noticing the exposed brick on the right side of the main arch that appears to be falling apart, I took note that Solomon’s half seems less “perfect” than the Queen of Sheba’s side does. The people behind him don’t appear to care about what he is doing as much as the Queen’s followers care. They also are placed more randomly in comparison to the organization of the Queen’s women. The man in the red cloak is barely even looking at the situation and has his back turned to us. It is interesting that I first noted the “perfect” symmetry of the painting, but as I investigated more, I noticed how different the details make each side.This painting evokes me to feel that there is something bad about Solomon. It gives off the feeling of a bad premonition. The dark brewing storm foreshadows, to me, that this event will not end joyously. And the dark details of the left side appear to suggest that the problems that lie ahead will likely be the fault of Solomon.I wonder how I would have accepted this as a wedding gift. I believe that at first I would find it very beautiful, but then, as I had a chance to study it, I would begin to wonder what Francesco del Cossa meant to convey. Is he really suggesting that the meeting of my husband and I was a dark moment, with trouble brewing? Did he dislike my husband or know something about him that I did not know? And who are the ominous characters in black?Francesco del Cossa created a very interesting piece. It seems to be rich with symbolism and thought. He used the perspective techniques of art of the time to paint a tray that is thought provoking....
