Italian or Flemish school of the 17th century

Italian or Flemish school of the 17th century.
"Salome with the head of Saint John the Baptist".
Oil on alabaster.
Measurements: 37 x 31 cm; 55 x 48 cm (frame)
It is interesting to mention the support of this work because since the 16th century, the use of stones as a base for painting began to become popular, an example of this was the exhibition held at the Prado Museum in 2018 "In lapide depictum", which brought together a set of nine works on monochrome stone, slate and marble by artists such as Piombo, Titian, Daniele da Volterra and Leandro Bassano. In this particular case, the expressiveness of the alabaster contextualises the scene, creating a warm, soft atmosphere that contrasts with the drama of the subject matter and gives greater prominence to the monumental figures that make up the image. In the centre, an attractive Salome holds the tray with the head of Saint John the Baptist while looking at the viewer without a trace of guilt on her face, impassive and aware of her power. The artist has depicted the young woman with her breasts largely uncovered and with her hair loose and curly, a symbol of lust. She is accompanied by two court figures who remain in the background, oblivious to the viewer's gaze and aware of the saint's sacrifice.
According to tradition, Salome, a woman of great beauty, danced for her stepfather, who enthusiastically offered to grant her the prize she desired. The young woman then asked, following her mother's instructions, for the Baptist's head, which was given to her "on a silver platter". This biblical story has often been depicted in painting, as it offers the possibility of depicting exotic settings and half-naked women without abandoning the biblical repertoire, although this is not the case with this particular work. Salome was a princess, daughter of Herod Philip and Herodias, and stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, who was linked to the death of Saint John the Baptist in a story told in the New Testament (Matthew and Mark). Herodias, wife of Herod Philip, scandalously married his half-brother, Herod Antipas, which provoked a war, since Herod Antipas had repudiated his previous wife, daughter of the Nabataean monarch. The attitude of the new marriage was highly criticised by the people, as it was considered sinful, and one of those who denounced it most was John the Baptist, for which he was imprisoned, 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".