Salomé met het hoofd van Johannes de Doper 1512 - 1514

Lucas van Leyden etched "Salomé with the Head of John the Baptist." In this print, the head of John the Baptist sits on a platter, presented by Salomé, a symbol of the dangerous allure of female power and the consequences of unchecked desire. The motif of the severed head carries a potent charge throughout history. We see echoes in the myth of Medusa, whose gaze could turn men to stone, and in countless other tales of sacrifice and martyrdom. This motif is not static; it evolves, reflecting changing cultural anxieties and fantasies. The head as a symbol is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The scene is emotionally charged, capturing a moment of triumph and dread. Consider how this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. It is a testament to the non-linear, cyclical progression of images.