Salome with the Head of John the Baptist

"Salome with the Head of John the Baptist," painted by Caravaggio in 1607, depicts the biblical scene where Salome receives the severed head of John the Baptist on a platter, a subject reflecting themes of martyrdom and the consequences of vengeance. This work is notable for its dramatic use of chiaroscuro, a hallmark of Caravaggio's style, which enhances the emotional intensity and realism of the scene.

"Salome with the Head of John the Baptist" by Caravaggio, created in 1607, is a dramatic oil painting measuring 116 cm by 140 cm, depicting the biblical scene with intense chiaroscuro that highlights the figures against a dark background. The composition centers on Salome, who holds a platter with the severed head of John the Baptist, while two other figures, an executioner and an elderly woman, contribute to the somber and tense atmosphere through their expressive gestures and somber expressions.