The construction of Solomon's temple, with Jerusalem behind

One of the largest and most accomplished drawings by Jan Luyken, this composition was engraved by the artist for the Voor-bereidselen tot de bybelsche wysheid, also known as Joodse Oudheden, published in 1690 in Amsterdam by Willem Goeree. As listed by Van Eeghen, Luyken made 23 more engravings for the publication, and a further seven engravings were made by other artists after Luyken’s designs (ibid., p. 194). This drawing shows the construction of Solomon’s temple with Jerusalem in the background and Mount Moriah to the far right. In the centre countless craftsmen and labourers are laying the foundations for the temple. To the far right, King Solomon is shown visiting the site, inspecting the progress of the project. Around the temple countless craftsmen are working on its decoration. Their activities are described in great detail in the text accompanying the print. Among their activities are, from left to right, the weaving of tapestries and curtains, the forging of tools, and the fabrication of copper bulls and columns.