The wise king's vanity: The הבל motive in the reception of king Solomon

The artistic receptions of Solomon frequently constructed his image by using elements from several biblical books. Solomon is not only portrayed as a great king in the manner of the books of Kings and Chronicles, but also as the royal lover of the Song of Songs and the author of wisdom texts. When Solomon is identified with Qohelet the disturbing thoughts of vanity become a characteristic challenge for the figure of Solomon in literature or music. Depending on their respective cultural context, the way how the motive of הבל is inserted into the story of Solomon differs considerably. הבל can be depicted as an enlightening insight into an erroneous way of life or a warning cautioning against an apotheosis of the world; the challenging questions of הבל can also be caused by an onslaught of black thoughts or the experience of a substantial loss. Corresponding to the different reasons provoking the insight that everything is הבל, various ways how to deal with this recognition are unfolded and Solomon is shown to overcome, succumb or endure הבל. Identifying Solomon as the person who struggles with the brevity and futility of life permits the artists to deal with these questions paradigmatically. As a legendary king Solomon is portrayed as a privileged man who can draw on unlimited resources and thus represents humankind at its best. With King Solomon being the protagonist struggling with the deconstruction of well known and treasured values and principles is portrayed in an exemplary way for various contexts and recipients.Gillmayr-Bucher, Susanne ; Birnbaum, Elisabet