Salome Dancing Before Herod
1592
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1592
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a crowded scene with a woman in a long, flowing dress dancing in the center. Around her, a group of men in fancy hats and robes watch closely, some standing, others seated at a table. One man leans forward, holding a sword, while others gesture or hold objects like cups. The background has tall curtains and shelves with books or scrolls. The woman’s pose and the men’s reactions suggest drama—maybe even danger. The artist used fine lines to show fabric folds and faces, making everything look three-dimensional. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed images into metal.