Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist Before Herod 1695 - 1741

Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini created this pen and brown ink drawing, "Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist Before Herod," likely in the early 18th century. Pellegrini, a Venetian painter, brings to life a biblical scene fraught with power, desire, and retribution. Salome, often portrayed as a seductive figure, is central here, holding the platter with the severed head of John the Baptist, a trophy granted by King Herod after her infamous dance. The male gaze is palpable; Herod and his court look on, a mix of horror and fascination on their faces. This depiction underscores how women were often instrumentalized within patriarchal structures. The sketch highlights the performative aspects of gender and power, with Salome’s actions dictated by the desires and fears of the men around her. As viewers, we are asked to consider the dynamics of spectacle, violence, and female agency that continue to resonate today.