Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist (1509)

"Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist" is a painting attributed to Andrea Solario, created around 1507–1509. The work depicts Salome, the daughter of Herodias, holding the severed head of Saint John the Baptist on a platter. This subject is rooted in biblical narratives, specifically the accounts of John the Baptist's beheading as told in the Gospels. Solario, an Italian painter of the Renaissance, was influenced by both the Lombard and Venetian styles, evident in the painting's rich color palette and detailed textures. The composition emphasizes the dramatic contrast between Salome's serene expression and the gruesome subject matter. The painting is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of fabrics and the lifelike portrayal of the head. The work is currently housed in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The provenance of the painting prior to its acquisition by the museum is not well-documented.

"Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist" by Andrea Solario, created circa 1507–9, is an oil on wood painting that depicts the biblical figure Salome holding the severed head of Saint John the Baptist. The composition is characterized by a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the emotional intensity of the scene. Salome is portrayed in a three-quarter view, her expression a mixture of triumph and sorrow, which is accentuated by her elegantly draped garments. The head of Saint John the Baptist is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing Solario's skill in capturing the textures of flesh and hair. The background features a dark, ambiguous space that serves to isolate the figures and heighten the focus on Salome and the head. The color palette is rich, with deep reds and golds contrasting against the somber tones of the background, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The painting exemplifies the early Renaissance interest in human emotion and the dramatic potential of religious narratives.