I, Giovanni Russo, head of the Russo family of Ferrara, Italy, founder of the Bank of Ferrara, have commissioned this painting, in the year 1476, “Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba” by the artist Francesco del Cossa. The painting will be given to my one and only daughter, Carlotte Buiseppi as a gift for the birth of her firstborn son. As commissioned, Francesco del Cossa has delivered an ornately painted twelve-sided desco da parto. He has the completed the piece using tempera and oil on a paneled tray. On one side the tray depicts the meeting of the Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, the other a cherub holding two cornucopias and a necklace of coral.
The story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is one of wealth, prosperity and wisdom. The Queen of Sheba, a well educated Ethiopian girl took the thrown at age 15 after the death of her father. It is said that she was a beautiful, gracious and capable Queen. However, despite all of her wealth she longed for more—for truth, wisdom and knowledge. When the Queen heard of Solomon and his infinite wisdom she knew she must visit him. She embarked on a 1400 mile journey across Arabia to Jerusalem. Her trek took six months each way. It is said that upon their meeting the Queen and Solomon exchanged many gifts and Solomon welcomed the Queen of Sheba and her entourage into his home where they stayed for many months. During these months she would follow him closely asking many questions and learning. The Queen then returned home, had a son, a continued her life as the Queen of Sheeba.
By passing this story to my daughter and grandson on this tray, I am bestowing upon them the gift of good fortune and success. While this painting has no religious applications, my hopes are that my grandson will have the same success as Salomon and the Queen of Sheba. I hope he strives for not only wealth and financial prosperity, but like the Queen, is adamant and passionate about seeking truth and knowledge. The reverse side of...