Who painted Salome with the head of John the Baptist?

Salome with the head of John the Baptist was painted by Girolamo Romanino in 1516.

Where can I see Salome with the head of John the Baptist?

Salome with the head of John the Baptist is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Salome with the head of John the Baptist?

Salome with the head of John the Baptist is associated with Mannerism.

Artwork

Salome with the head of John the Baptist

Girolamo Romanino , 1516

Salome with the head of John the Baptist is a paint painting by the Mannerist artist Girolamo Romanino. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Salome with the Head of John the Baptist is a 1516 painting by Girolamo Romanino, a High Renaissance artist from the Veneto and Lombardy regions. The work is characteristic of the Mannerist style and is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a pivotal moment from a biblical narrative: Salome holding the severed head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. Her attire, including a white dress and green velvet cloak, suggests a formal context, contrasting with the violent implication of the beheaded figure.

Technique & Style

Romanino employed chiaroscuro in the painting, as evident in the interplay of light and shadow, particularly in the handling of Salome's draped clothing and the subtle play of light on the platter and the figures in the background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1516, the painting is attributed to Girolamo Romanino's active period in the Veneto and Lombardy, specifically near Brescia. It is currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Context

The work reflects the artistic tendencies of the Mannerist movement, characterized by dramatic and emotionally charged themes, often drawn from religious narratives like the story of Salome and John the Baptist.

Legacy

While specific details on the painting's direct influence are not provided, it contributes to the broader understanding of Mannerist art's exploration of dramatic biblical themes and the evolution of chiaroscuro techniques in Renaissance painting.

Artist & collection

Artist

Girolamo Romanino

Girolamo Romani, known as Romanino (c. 1485 – c. 1566), was an Italian High Renaissance painter active in the Veneto and Lombardy, near Brescia. His long career brought forth several different styles.