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Salome and the Head of John the Baptist
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Salome and the Head of John the Baptist
A sculpture depicting Salome, the daughter of Herod II, sat on top of the pedestal, after requesting the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod was forced by oath to have John beheaded. Date: circa 1924
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Media ID 32243782
© CLM Archive Collection / Mary Evans
Baptist Beheaded Depicting Forced Herod Hoff Oath Pedestal Platter Rayner Requesting Salome 1924
EDITORS COMMENTS
This sculpture, titled "Salome with the Head of John the Baptist," dates back to circa 1924 and is a striking depiction of the biblical story of Salome, the daughter of Herod II. The sculpture, part of the March of the Women Collection from Mary Evans Prints Online, shows Salome seated confidently atop a pedestal, her expression a mix of triumph and satisfaction. The reason for her smug grin? She has just requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. According to the New Testament, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, was bound by an oath to have John the Baptist beheaded following the request of his stepdaughter Salome and his sister Herodias. Salome's dance before Herod and his courtiers had enchanted Herod so much that he promised to grant her any request. Salome, influenced by her mother Herodias, asked for the head of John the Baptist, who had denounced Herod's marriage to Herodias as incestuous. This sculpture, created by George Rayner Hoff, masterfully captures the dramatic moment when Salome receives the grisly reward for her dance. The head of John the Baptist, held aloft on a platter, adds a chilling contrast to Salome's serene expression. The intricate details of the sculpture, from the delicate folds of Salome's gown to the lifelike rendering of John's severed head, make it a captivating work of art that continues to intrigue and disturb viewers even today.
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