Flemish or Italian school; second half of the 17th century.

Flemish or Italian school; second half of the 17th century.
"Salome at Herod's banquet".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 59 x 69 cm; 74 x 84 cm (frame).
Normally in the representations of this theme, Salome is not usually shown offering her head to Herod at the banquet itself, a feature that makes this work exceptional. The uniqueness of the painting can be seen not only in the treatment of the subject, but also in the quality of the drawing and composition.
According to biblical history, 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 very criticized by the people, since it was considered sinful, and one of those who denounced it most was John the Baptist, for which he was arrested, although Herod did not dare to execute him for fear of the popular 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". 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 it is not about this particular work. Salome was a princess, daughter of Herod Philip and Herodias, and stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, related to the death of St. John the Baptist in a story told in the New Testament (Matthew and Mark).