King Solomon's Wisdom
Artifact ID1984.02473.01
Object Type
Sculpture
Gifter
Louis M. Macke
Maker
Chilmark Fine Pewter
Artist
Brian Rodden
(American sculptor)
Date
1978
Medium
Metal (pewter), Wood
Dimensions6 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 5 in. (16.5 × 14 × 12.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionA silver-toned metal sculpture of King Solomon meting out wisdom involving a woman and her baby. The sculpture depicts King Solomon sitting on his throne with one hand under his chin and the other pointing at the baby. The baby is on the right side, lying on the ground with a blanket. To the baby's left is a woman on her knees, gesturing to the baby and King Solomon. Inscribed on the back of the throne is text stating, "President Ronald Reagan 'For your wisdom and leadership' Ottawa, Ohio October 12, 1984."
The sculpture is mounted on a square wooden base. On the bottom of the base is an inset metal disk with the text "SOLOMON (C) 1978 CHILMARK FINE PEWTER 224" and the artist's signature.Historical NoteThe sculpture was given when President Reagan stopped and spoke from the rear platform of U.S. Car One/Ferdinand Magellan in Ottawa, OH on October 12, 1984 during his Whistlestop Tour through Ohio for the 1984 election.
The judgement of Solomon, in which two women claim before the king that a baby is theirs, is found in 1 Kings 3:16-28:
"23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.’” 24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” 26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” 27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” 28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Chilmark Fine Pewter 1978
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)