Flemish school; first half of the 18th century. "Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist". Oil...

Flemish school; first half of the 18th century. "Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist". Oil on copper.

Flemish school; first half of the 18th century.
"Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist".
Oil on copper.
Presents repainting and restorations.
Measures: 78 x 101 cm.
Work of landscape format that represents the scene in which the head of St. John is presented to Herod. Although in this particular case, the protagonist is Salome. Who holds the tray with the head of the Saint, whose body lies inert on his knees, showing the viewer his torn neck. Salome was a princess, daughter of Herod Philip and Herodias, and stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, related to the death of St. John the Baptist. The narrative, collected in the New Testament (Matthew and Mark), tells how Herodias, wife of Herod Philip, married in a scandalous way with the half-brother of this one, Herod Antipas, which caused a war, since Herod Antipas had repudiated for it, his previous wife, daughter of the Nabataean monarch. The attitude of the new marriage was very criticized by the people, since it was considered sinful. One of those who denounced it the most was John the Baptist, for which he was arrested, although Herod did not dare to execute him for fear of the people's wrath. According to tradition, Salome, a woman of great beauty, danced for her stepfather, and he enthusiastically offered to grant her the prize she desired. Then the young woman asked, following her mother's instructions, for the Baptist's head, which was given to her "on a silver platter". This biblical story has been frequently represented in painting, since it offers the possibility of depicting exotic scenes and half-naked women without abandoning the biblical repertoire.
In this particular case, the great drama of the scene stands out, not only in the tray that Salome carries, but also due to the presence of St. John's body, which stands out for its snowy tone. In addition, the work has the presence of a character next to Salome carrying a small sword, whose tip shows traces of blood. These characteristics, where the details bring great narrativity to the scene of the work, are typical of the Flemish school. As well as the richness of the fabrics, and the small details, such as those found in the headdresses of the ladies that make up the scene.