The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Description

The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist gathers the executioner and surrounding figures in the aftermath of John’s death, their attention turning toward the severed head. Buildings create a firm enclosure behind the group, while the saint’s body gives the foreground its grave weight. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist presents a violent narrative through the uneasy relationship between an exposed victim and the people who surround him.

Dated 1510, the woodcut organizes the scene through clear postures and strong architectural lines. Garments, stone and faces receive distinct patterns of marks, allowing the small actions to remain readable within the crowded setting. The emotional tension lies in the contrast between the body’s stillness and the ongoing activity of the witnesses. The image asks for careful looking, making the aftermath of violence as significant as the act that has just occurred.

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