1480
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is a 1480 ink by Israhel van Meckenem, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a crowded scene of people around a central figure being beheaded. The man on the ground holds a sword, while others watch or react—some with plates, others with shocked faces. A lion lies at the bottom, and a half-naked woman stands near the center, holding a dish. The background has arched windows and a throne-like seat. Notice the tiny details in the faces and clothing—each person looks distinct, even in the tight space. The artist used fine lines to show texture, like the folds in robes or the fur on the lion. Look up engraving to see how artists like this carved images into metal.
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
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