The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
1618
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
1618
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
This painting depicts a dramatic scene of a beheading, with a woman holding a silver platter to catch the severed head. The victim, Saint John the Baptist, lies on the ground, his head tilted back in a moment of agony. A man stands over him, holding a sword and preparing to strike. In the background, several figures watch the scene unfold, their faces filled with a mix of horror and fascination. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, with the use of chiaroscuro creating deep shadows and highlights that add to the drama of the scene. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figures. To learn more about this technique, look up chiaroscuro.
