Gospel in Art: The beheading of John the Baptist

Salome with head of St John the Baptist, by Andrea Solari, 1506 © Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 3 August 2024
Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, 'This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.'

Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. For John had told him, 'It is against the Law for you to have her.' He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, 'Give me John the Baptist's head, here, on a dish.' The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John's disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.

Reflection on the painting

Today, we are looking at Andrea Solario's 'Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist,' a painting both captivating and gruesome. Salome is depicted with idealised beauty, adorned in luxurious silks and velvets, and wearing opulent jewelry. She holds a bowl filled with St John the Baptist's blood, while the executioner's hand (we don't see his face) holds John's severed head aloft. Though it was the executioner who carried out the act, it was Salome who instigated the murder. The biblical tale of Salome dancing seductively for King Herod and subsequently demanding John the Baptist's head as her reward has long fascinated artists. This painting captures the climactic moment when the executioner places John's head onto the charger that Salomemis holding. Interestingly, despite having received exactly what she asked for, Salome's expression is far from content. The contrast between her striking beauty and unhappy face, and the serene, peaceful countenance of the dead John, heightens the painting's dramatic impact.

The beheading of St John the Baptist occurred on Herod's birthday. However, this day is remembered not for Herod's celebration, but for the martyrdom of the Lord's forerunner and herald. For Gospel readers, this event cemented Herod's reputation as a weak and malevolent ruler. Despite knowing John to be a righteous and holy man, Herod, driven by worldly desires and Salome's seductive charm, ordered John's execution. In a moment of recklessness, he transformed John into a symbol for all who would be martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. This passage underscores the profound tragedy of Herod's actions, motivated by fleeting desires and leading to enduring infamy this day.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-14-1-12-2024/