Irod's feast 

Juan Carreno de Miranda painted ‘Irod’s Feast’ in the Spanish Baroque style with oils, presenting a feast scene with dramatic flair and dynamic composition. The painting is structured around a central table with guests, emphasizing a stark contrast between light and shadow. This contrast draws attention to the severed head of John the Baptist displayed on a platter. The architectural backdrop, with its arches and pillars, provides a structured framework. This juxtaposes with the emotional chaos depicted among the figures. The artist uses color to highlight emotional states, with the brighter hues drawing attention to reactions of horror and disbelief. Carreno de Miranda masterfully uses Baroque techniques to explore themes of power, morality, and the grotesque. The formal arrangement and theatrical presentation create a lasting impression, inviting ongoing re-interpretation of its complex narrative.