Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
c. 1607-1609 National Gallery, London
About this artwork
This dramatic oil painting depicts Salome receiving the severed head of John the Baptist from an executioner, while an older woman observes the grim scene. It is a powerful example of Caravaggio's intense use of chiaroscuro and psychological realism.
Did you know?
Caravaggio's portrayal of 'Salome with the Head of John the Baptist' showcases his mastery of tenebrism, using stark contrasts of light and shadow to heighten the drama and emotional impact. Art historians speculate that Caravaggio, a man of turbulent life, may have seen himself in the severed head of John the Baptist in some of his depictions, perhaps as a symbol of his own guilt or impending doom following his own flight from justice.
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Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1607-1609
