Two women claim to be the mother of a child; one of them really is the mother, the other has just lost her child. King Solomon sees that they are unable to reach an agreement, and rules that the child be divided between them - literally.

When the soldier raises his sword, one of the women drops her claim. She is the real mother, who puts the life of her child above all else.

This painting is one more of the large frescos Tiepolo made in the bishop's palace in Udine.