Bernardino Luini's Haunting "Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist"

 

Do you know the story behind this painting?

    In the gospels of Mark and Matthew, Salome was used as a pawn by her mother Herodias to obtain revenge against Saint John the Baptist. She danced so beautifully for King Herod that he promised her anything she desired. At her mother’s behest, Salome requested John’s head. Here she has taken hold of the salver, but turns her head away after seeing the result of her action, perhaps realizing its meaning and her role in it.

    The work is exhibited in the Italian Renaissance Gallery at Museum of Fine Arts(MFA), Boston, MA, US. Bernardino Luini, "Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist" (1515–25), oil on panel.