Flemish School - Frans Francken And His Workshop - The Banquet Of Herod - Early 17th Century

Salome at the banquet of Herod A work from the Flemish school attributed to Frans Francken and his workshop (Antwerp 1581 - 1642), who likes to take up biblical themes and in particular the great banquets of History (the Feast of Balthazar, d 'Esther, d'Hérode, Lazare...) To be compared to the painting representing Esther's banquet that I also present to you on Proantic.

The account in the Gospel according to Mark, describes Herod holding a banquet for his high officials and military commanders, as well as high-ranking men from Galilee. During this banquet, Herod's daughter dances before him. He is happy about it and gives her everything she asks for in return.

The young girl asks her mother what she should ask for and she tells her to ask for John the Baptist's head. Reluctantly, Herod orders John's beheading. His head, here depicted in Holiness, will be delivered to Salomé, at his request, "on a platter".

This painting was exhibited at the Georges de la Tous museum in Vic sur Seille