Salome receiving the head of John the Baptist, surrounded by three men and a child bearing a torch, the Baptist's body lies on the ground, an oval composition

Art Historical Context

This exquisite engraving captures the dramatic biblical moment when Salome receives the head of Saint John the. The oval composition on the tragic scene, with the saint’s body lying on the ground while three men and a child holding a torch surround the macabre offering. Created after about 1610, the print reproduces a design by German artist Adam Elsheimer, whose innovative small-scale works often explored intense light effects and emotional storytelling. Engraved by Dutch printmaker Hendrick Goudt, the work exemplifies the early seventeenth-century practice of disseminating paintings through high-quality prints. Goudt’s precise technique translates Elsheimer’s luminous style into delicate lines and subtle tonal contrasts, allowing a wider audience to appreciate the composition’s intimate scale and theatrical lighting. The small sheet, measuring just over two inches wide, rewards close viewing with its rich narrative detail. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this engraving highlights the cultural fascination with the Salome story during the Baroque era. Its bequest by Phyllis Massar in 2011 ensures that visitors can still experience the powerful blend of violence, devotion, and artistry that defines this biblical tale.