Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (Caravaggio, London) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salome with the Headof John the baptist (London) |
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| Italian: Salomè con testa del Battista | |
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| Artist | Caravaggio |
| Year | c. 1607 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 91.5 cm × 106.7 cm (36.0 in × 42.0 in) |
| Location | National Gallery, London |
Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (London) is a famous painting by the Italian artist Caravaggio. He created this artwork around 1607. Today, you can see it at the National Gallery, London, in England. The painting shows a scene from the Bible, featuring Salome with the head of John the Baptist.
About the Painting
This painting was found in a private collection in 1959. For many years, people did not know where it was. An early writer about Caravaggio, Giovanni Bellori, mentioned a painting like this in 1672. He said Caravaggio sent it to the leader of the Knights of Malta. This was after Caravaggio had left the Knights in 1608. However, Bellori might have been talking about a different painting of the same subject. You can see that other painting, called Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (Madrid), in Madrid.
Caravaggio's Unique Style
This painting shows Caravaggio's special way of using light. He often used a strong, dramatic light that shines on parts of the scene. This is called "raking light." It makes the figures stand out from the dark background. This style connects the painting to other works Caravaggio made in Naples. He lived there for a short time between 1606 and 1607.
You can also see similarities between the people in this painting and those in other Caravaggio artworks. For example, Salome in this painting looks a bit like the Virgin Mary in his Madonna of the Rosary. Also, the person holding the head of John the Baptist looks like some of the figures in Christ at the Column and The Flagellation of Christ.
Where You Can See It
The painting is usually on display at the National Gallery, London. It has also traveled for special shows. From November 2012 to February 2013, it was part of an exhibition. This show was called "Bodies and Shadows: Caravaggio and His Legacy." It took place at the LACMA in the United States.
See also
In Spanish: Salomé con la cabeza de Juan el Bautista (Caravaggio, Londres) para niños
