Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, historical and biblical spectacles were seen on many circuses. At that time some clergy still considered traveling shows to be immoral, and by embracing a biblical theme the ministers had to at least acknowledge that the circus was providing a teaching tool based upon positive church values. The spec “Solomon and the Queen of Sheba“ was such a pageant on the Ringling Bros. circus of 1914 and 1915.

These specs would include nearly every member of the troupe, including canvas men who would be dressed in Costumes reflecting the production. The press agents for the Ringling Circus said that 1200 people were involved in this display!

This particular scene depicts the judgment of King Solomon “in all of his wisdom“. According to this biblical story – seen on this lithograph – two women both claimed to be the mother of a child. Solomon has just revealed their true relationship to the child by suggesting the baby be cut in two, each woman to receive half.

With this strategy, he was able to discern the non-mother as the woman who entirely approved of this proposal, while the actual mother begged that the sword might be sheathed and the child committed to the care of her rival. Look closely at the image and you will see the story told in a single picture.
– C. Berry