The Feast of Herod: Salome's Dance (detail) 1464

Filippo Lippi’s “The Feast of Herod: Salome’s Dance” is a fresco executed in Italy during the Early Renaissance, which draws upon a biblical story to consider complex questions about power. Looking closely, you will notice a beheading in one panel, while the title references Salome’s Dance. This work reveals the politics of imagery in 15th century Italy. It tells the story of Salome dancing for King Herod, who is so impressed that he offers her anything she desires. Influenced by her mother, Salome requests the head of John the Baptist. While the narrative is biblical, Lippi’s choices reflect the social conditions of his time. The elegance of the figures and the detailed rendering of the feast reflect the opulence of the Florentine court, but the violence reminds us of the ruthless power dynamics underpinning it. Understanding this artwork requires us to examine the historical and cultural context in which it was created. Through archival research and careful analysis, we can uncover the complex interplay of social, political, and religious forces that shaped its creation, offering us a glimpse into the past.