Décolation de St. Jean (Beheading of Saint John the Baptist)
1762
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1762
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a dramatic scene of a woman holding a sword over a man’s neck on the ground. Around them, other figures react—some kneeling, others covering their eyes. The woman wears a flowing dress and a tall hat, while the background has rough stone walls and a dark, shadowy feel. The text at the bottom names it *Décolation de St. Jean*, meaning it’s about the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The artist signed it as F.P. Charpentier. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
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