Large Italian painting from the 17th century. Oil on canvas work, of monumental dimensions, depicting Herod's banquet with Salome and the head of Saint John the Baptist. The scene, intense and theatrical, captures the culminating moment of the Gospel story: the head of the Baptist is brought on a tray in the presence of Salome, Herod and the guests. On the left side, a wonderful maid introduces the macabre trophy onto a tray, while Salome, elegantly seated at the table, rotates her torso with a refined and almost dancing movement. Herod, caught in a serious and meditative expression, dominates the psychological center of the scene.
The work stands out for its scenographic layout, the chromatic richness of the drapery and the strong narrative tension, with figures arranged like actors on a stage. The still life at the center of the composition and the presence, on the right margin, of a character facing directly towards the observer, perhaps the artist's self-portrait, are particularly evocative. A painting of extraordinary pictorial quality and rich in precious details, attributable to the late mannerist Tuscan figurative culture of the early seventeenth century.
From a decorative point of view the painting has an extraordinary presence. The large dimensions, the dark theatrical background and the chromatic intensity of the costumes make it ideal for prestigious environments: reception rooms, libraries, historic homes and luxury hotels. Spectacular frame in finely carved, silvered and lacquered wood, with some signs of aging that give it even more charm. The frame was created by a good craftsman for the painting in the 20th century with antique front decorative elements and solid and modern frame back structure. A rare frame in terms of quality and size, which completes and embellishes an already exceptional work. Painting already restored with relining, replacement of the frame and color recovery in small spots. Overall in good state of conservation. Light painting H 187 x W 256 cm.
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SILVER Seller in Cuneo, Italy
