Beheading of John the Baptist 

Curator: Well, this is "The Beheading of John the Baptist," attributed to Maarten de Vos. An oil painting, showcasing quite the dramatic scene. Editor: Whew! It’s raw, isn’t it? The contrast between the gruesome details and the almost nonchalant expressions is really unnerving. I find the light and shadow kind of amplify the inherent morbidity...It’s a lot. Curator: It is a lot. De Vos really commits to the drama. The beheading itself, presented so graphically, carries centuries of symbolic weight. The severed head, especially— it's not just a physical detail; it represents martyrdom, sacrifice, the silencing of a prophetic voice. Editor: That tray is…disturbing. There’s something very ritualistic about the whole scene, like it's an offering. I’m interested in Salome there, the poise with which she holds the head is truly disturbing, and the figures in the background appear in the cell, what´s going on in their heads?. All the characters there appear somehow disturbed in terms of behavior. Curator: Absolutely. Salome is often depicted as this seductive temptress, but here, there’s this strange detachment, almost an obedience to the orders. It complicates her role, which I find interesting. Think about the composition. The Baptist’s body is at the bottom, then the executioner on the left with the tools of his 'trade', and the procession toward the 'viewer´s eyes'. Editor: It’s also like De Vos wants us to feel implicated, a bit like those figures at the cell watching what happens behind closed doors, trapped in the 'performance'. I do not find peace or redemption through religious art. I get to see disturbing power displays instead. Curator: Maybe that's the point. Perhaps he is less interested in glorifying than presenting uncomfortable truths. Power, religion, the silencing of dissent— it all clashes in a terrible way. Editor: The piece does trigger many questions... About power, performance, consequence. Thank you for your explanation. Curator: My pleasure. This oil on panel asks viewers to grapple with some deeply troubling questions about faith and authority, which still feel so relevant.