The Feast of Herod and the Beheading of the Baptist
The Met
Artist: Giovanni Baronzio(Italian, active in Romagna and the Marches, second quarter 14th century)
Date: ca. 1330–35
Department: Robert Lehman Collection
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground, and silver
Dimensions: 17 3/8 x 19 5/8 in. (44.1 x 49.8 cm)
Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
An indoor scene showing a beheading on the left and a severed head on a platter at a table
Detailed Description
The painting depicts an indoor scene with a banquet and a beheading, set within an elaborate architectural structure. The composition is divided into two main sections: a scene of execution on the left and a feast on the right. On the far left, a man in a light pink tunic and white head covering stands, holding a long, curved sword. He stands over a decapitated body, with the head detached and blood visible on the ground. This scene is set against a dark window and an arched doorway within a light-colored building. To the right, a long, white-clothed banquet table extends across the width of the painting. Seven figures are seated behind the table. From left to right, three women wear crowns and long dresses in dark green, red, and yellow. Next to them, four men are seated, two of whom wear crowns. They are dressed in tunics of green, red, and light brown. The table is set with several round, golden objects and dark knives. In front of the table, several figures stand. A woman in a white dress with red trim holds a silver platter, presenting a severed head to the seated figures. Other figures in various tunics (orange, white, red) stand nearby, some gesturing. The background features elaborate architecture with arched windows, decorative patterns, and a dark ceiling with gold stars. The overall color palette includes earthy tones, reds, and golds.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
