19th century Flemish painting, Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist

COD 11510. A refined Flemish painting from the first half of the 19th century. Oil on canvas artwork depicting Salome with the head of Saint John the Baptist. Based on a famous invention by Matthias Stomer (1600-1650), a master of Northern Caravaggism, the composition faithfully reproduces the original now exhibited at the National Gallery in London, from which it inherits its dramatic power and powerful contrast between light and shadow. Salome's mother had abandoned her husband to live with her brother-in-law, King Herod. John the Baptist publicly condemned the incident and was imprisoned. To please the beautiful Salome, Herod then had the saint beheaded. The artwork depicts the culminating moment of the Gospel episode in which the princess receives the head of John the Baptist on a platter: the executioner lifts him by the hair, while a young figure in the foreground holds the light that dramatically bathes the faces of those present. A highly decorative painting, ideal for classic-style spaces, professional studios, or historic homes. A modern, antique-finish frame in lacquered and gilded wood. The painting has already been restored with re-lining, replacement of the stretcher, and re-coloring in small areas. Overall, in good condition. Internal dimensions: H 51.5 X W 64 cm.