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Sir Peter Paul Rubens
The Feast of Herodabout 1635 - 1638On Display | NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND
Herodias’ daughter, Salome, had danced so beautifully that Herod had promised to grant her any wish. Prompted by Herodias, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist. This was Herodias’ revenge for the Baptist’s outspoken criticism of her marriage to Herod. Here Salome presents Saint John the Baptist’s head to King Herod. Herod shrinks back in horror. To his left, Herodias prods the Baptist’s tongue with a fork. Rubens conveys the dramatic moment through the actions and expressions of his larger than life size figures, his rich colours and bold contrasts of light and shadow. The picture was probably painted for Gaspar de Roomer, a Flemish merchant based in Naples, and inspired a number of Italian artists.
Details
- Accession no. NG 2193
- Medium Oil on canvas
- Size 208.00 x 264.00 cm (framed: 245.00 x 309.00 x 14.00 cm)
- Credit Purchased 1958
Sir Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577 - 1640)
Rubens, an outstanding artist, scholar and diplomat, enjoyed a long, prolific and internationally successful career. He painted themes from the Bible and classical mythology, portraits, landscapes and allegorical subjects. After spending eight years in Italy, he returned to Antwerp in 1608, where he set up a flourishing workshop. He generally painted on a large scale, and excelled in describing dramatic episodes through ample figures in dynamic poses, sumptuous colour and brilliant lighting. Rubens employed many assistants to meet the demand for his work, which came from wealthy patrons at home and abroad, including the kings of Spain, France and Britain.
Glossary Open
Allegory
Where the ‘story’ of a work has a deeper underlying meaning – often used for the representation of grand, abstract ideas.
Classicism
A general term for art and architecture based on ancient Greek and Roman culture.
Mythological
Refers to figures and events from myths which are the ancient stories that usually explain the origins of historical or natural phenomena.
Patronage
The support given to artists by an individual or organisation, usually through buying or funding their work.