Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1700 - 1799
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1486 x 1162 mm (58 1/2 x 45 3/4 in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Lacock, Wiltshire
NT 996356
Caption
This painting depicts a story from the book of Matthew in the Bible, when Salome, who has danced for King Herod, is offered anything she wishes. Her mother, Herodias, had asked her to request the head of John the Baptist, which she does. The King, bound by his promise, fulfilled her wish. The painting is painted in the style of Rubens and is possibly after a lost original. It was probably acquired at the same time as the other Rubens copies at Lacock.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, English School, 18th century (after Rubens School). The head of John the Baptist is placed upon a salver, held by Salome, by the executioner, with Herodias looking on, back right. The body of John the Baptist is slumped in the foreground. This painting depicts the biblical story from the book of Matthew, when Salome, who has danced for King Herod, is offered anything she wishes. Her mother, Herodias, had asked her to request the head of John the Baptist, which she does. The King, bound by his promise, fulfilled her wish.
Provenance
Given by Matilda Theresa Talbot (formerly Gilchrist-Clark) (1871 – 1958), who gave the Abbey, the village of Lacock and the rest of the estate to the National Trust in 1944, along with 96 of the family portraits and other pictures, in 1948
Credit line
Lacock Abbey, The Talbot Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist