Shop art print and framed art Salome with the Head of John the Baptist by Caravaggio

Salome with the head of Saint John the Baptist: A tragic biblical story as seen by Caravaggio

Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio, painted around 1607, is inspired by a dramatic episode recounted in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. The New Testament tells of Salome, daughter of Herodias and daughter-in-law of King Herod Antipas, dancing during the festivities organised by the sovereign. Herod is captivated by her performance and promises to give her anything she desires. Urged on by her mother, who has a fierce hatred of the prophet, Salome demands the head of Saint John the Baptist on a silver platter.

This 91 cm high by 106 cm wide oil on canvas, held at the National Gallery in London, was painted at a time when the artist was on the run after committing murder, and reflects his own torment as well as his quest for redemption. Caravaggio, a master of chiaroscuro, chose to depict the precise moment when the freshly decapitated head of John the Baptist is presented to Salome on a silver platter. In his visual retranscription of this biblical episode, Caravaggio focused on the realistic depiction of the disgust, surprise and fascination experienced by the characters.

Salome with the head of Saint John the Baptist as a reflection of Caravaggio's journey

Caravaggio, true to his style, plunges the scene into almost total darkness, from which the figures emerge illuminated by a harsh light. In the centre, Salome, dressed in a robe, holds out a silver tray to receive the head of John the Baptist. Her expression is indecipherable, a mixture of curiosity, fear and repulsion, and testifies to Caravaggio's talent for depicting human psychology with great precision. Beside him, an old woman, probably Herodias, is avidly observing the scene. An executioner, his arms bare and his face in shadow, holds up the decapitated head, its blood still dripping. The crude realism of this depiction both shocks and fascinates.

In this work, Caravaggio is distinguished by his masterful use of chiaroscuro, placing the characters in a dramatic half-light contrasted by bright lighting that highlights the main characters and the act of beheading. This technique also reinforces the tension present in the scene and gives the viewer the impression of being immersed in the biblical story. The faces of Salomé and the other protagonists reflect a complex interplay of emotions, combining fascination and horror at the sight of the prophet's severed head.

Salome with the head of Saint John the Baptist: a major work in the Caravaggesque style

Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist fits perfectly into Caravaggio's creative evolution, marked by religious scenes painted in a naturalistic style. This painting finds its place among the Italian master's other masterpieces, delving deeper into certain themes dear to the artist, notably that of dread or the confrontation with death.

Caravaggio's innovative approach to illuminating a biblical scene was considered revolutionary for its time. His focus on the figure of Salome and his treatment of this particularly violent subject greatly inspired later artists. Among them, Rembrandt van Rijn himself took up this theme with a different but equally captivating vision.

Salome with the Head of St John the Baptist, beyond its purely visual aspect, also embodies a cultural movement of rebellion both in its treatment of the story and in the complex richness of its characters. Caravaggio goes against moral and spiritual precepts by revealing the darker aspects of human nature, laying the foundations for a genuine artistic revolution.

The painting had a considerable impact on the art of its time, influencing many Baroque painters. Even today, it continues to fascinate with its dramatic power and sombre beauty, a reminder that violence and cruelty are timeless realities.

This artwork is a painting from the classical period. It belongs to the baroque style.

« Salome with the Head of John the Baptist » is kept at National Gallery, London, United Kingdom.

Find the full description of Salome with the Head of John the Baptist by Caravaggio on Wikipedia.