Salome given the Head of John the Baptist [left]; Salome offers the Head of John the Baptist to her Parents [right]
![Salome given the Head of John the Baptist [left]; Salome offers the Head of John the Baptist to her Parents [right] by Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus, Flemish, 1523â1605](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/smith/thumb/salome-given-the-head-of-john-the-baptist-left-smith-889550-0.webp)
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-2652
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This striking diptych by Flemish artist Jan van der Straet, known asadanus (1523–1605), captures a pivotal moment from the New Testament story of Salome and theheading of John the Baptist On the left panel, Salome receives the severed head the executioner, her expression a mix of triumph and horror; on the right, she presents to her parents, Herod Antipas and Herodias, fulfilling her infamous request after her seductive dance. Created by 1595, the work reflects the dramatic biblical tale popularized in Renaissance art for its themes of power, lust, and moral retribution. Stradanus, who spent ...