The Beheading of John the Baptist

etching and drypoint, 1640

John the Baptist, one of the proclaimers of the coming of the Messiah, was venerated by the people as a prophet. He was imprisoned when he publicly criticized King Herod’s incestuous marriage. At Herod’s birthday banquet, the king’s daughter Salome danced so beautifully that he granted her a wish. She asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. And so it came to pass.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-165
  • Dimensionsheight 127 mm x width 102 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets en droge naald