Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, Jan Adam Kruseman, c. 1861

Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, Jan Adam Kruseman, c. 1861

oil on canvas, h c.120cm × w c.90cm × d 16cm More details

Salome is a biblical ‘femme fatale’ par excellence: she was responsible for the death of John the Baptist. Because Salome danced so beautifully for King Herod, he granted her a wish. In consultation with her mother, Herodias, Salome asked for John’s head on a platter. They thus ensured John’s demise for having criticized Herodias’ marriage.