The Feast of Herod
Artist: Donatello
c. 1427
Sculpture
Many of Donatello’s most famous sculptures were done ‘in the round,’ but there are a few masterful works that were done in relief. One such sculpture is known as The Feast of Herod and is a depiction of the well-known Biblical story of the feast that was organized by the evil King Herod.
According to the Bible account, Herod’s daughter, Salome, demanded the head of John the Baptist, which King Herod reluctantly agreed to provide.
Donatello’s relief sculpture portrays the moment when John the Baptist is being beheaded. Most historians and scholars believe the sculpture was done in 1427 and was one of the earliest relief works done by Donatello.
The sculpture depicts the beheading of John the Baptist after Salome asks Herod Antipas for his head on a platter. The scene depicts an executioner presenting the severed head, and Herod reacting in shock.
The Finding of Moses
Artist: Orazio Gentileschi
1630
Painting
This oil on canvas painting measures 257 cm × 301 cm (101 in × 119 in). It is housed in the National Gallery in London.
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