Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist

Andrea Solario

ca. 1507–9 · Oil on wood · European Paintings

At a fateful banquet, Salome was granted one wish by her stepfather, King Herod. Stunningly, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter because he opposed her mother’s marriage to the king. Solario’s unusual composition includes only the hand of the executioner, de-emphasizing his role in the gruesome scene and placing the blame (literally and figuratively) in Salome’s hands. Solario’s style was shaped by his travels. In Venice he encountered Netherlandish influences that were popular in the city. In Milan he was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s naturalism and delicate treatment of light. Solario executed this picture in France at the castle of Cardinal Georges d’Amboise, where he worked alongside French and Italian architects and sculptors.

Artist

Andrea Solario

Date

ca. 1507–9

Medium

Oil on wood

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931