Cranach, Lucas the Elder (1472-1553)
The Feast of Herod
1531
Oil on panel, 81.3 x 119.7 cm
Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford
The biblical story of Salome was popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when it was seen as a cautionary tale of women’s seductive powers over men. After Salome performed the dance of veils during the birthday celebrations of her stepfather, King Herod Antipas, she demanded from him the head of Saint John the Baptist. Lucas Cranach the Elder depicted the moment when Salome, having received her wish, presents the saint’s severed head on a platter to Herod and her mother, Queen Herodias. Cranach used all of his talents as a gifted storyteller— the severed head is placed carefully in the center between the main characters of the story. The appetizing tray of fruit carried by the servant serves as a contrast to the shocking and disgusting head on the platter. Through such inventive compositions, Cranach became one of the most versatile artists of the German Renaissance. (WA)