Solome with the Head of John the Baptist
Name/Title
Solome with the Head of John the BaptistEntry/Object ID
1887.177Description
Artists of the Baroque period were interested in expressing dramatic moments in their work. It is difficult to be more dramatic than seeing a severed human head, as we have seen above with Judith. Other similar subjects were also popular, such as the severed head of Medusa, and Salome with the head of John the Baptist as we see in this drawing. Salome's story is recounted in the Synoptic Gospels. She was the daughter of Herodias, the second and unlawful wife of King Herod. John the Baptist publicly preached against the morality of this relationship and was imprisoned for it. Herodias wanted to permanently silence the Baptist, but Herod would not execute him. Later, when Salome seductively danced for Herod, he promised in front of guests to give her anything, up to half of his kingdom. In collusion with her mother, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was reluctant to execute John, he was forced to grant Salome's desire because of his public promise. This work is one of the rare drawings in the Saint Vincent Art Collections from this time period that is signed. Unfortunately, nothing more has been learned about the artist.Artwork Details
Medium
Paper, SanguineCollection
Archabbey-European Prints and DrawingsCataloged By
StanleyAcquisition
Accession
1887.177Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionMade/Created
Artist
Weijs, B.Date made
1600 - 1700Notes
Date: 17th Century Artist's School: Dutch/German Technique: DrawingEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Northern European