“Feast of Herod” by Lucas Cranach the Elder, created in 1539, is an oil painting on wood representing the Northern Renaissance art movement. This religious painting measures 83.5 by 82 centimeters and is located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork depicts a somber moment from the biblical story of Herod, where Salome presents the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. The scene portrays several figures, each displaying expressions of contemplation and gravity. The figures are dressed in 16th-century attire, with intricate attention to detail visible in their clothing and accessories. The dark backdrop contrasts against the highlighted figures and the decapitated head, drawing the viewer’s focus to the central event. The use of oil on wood allows for rich textures and depth in the painting, exemplifying Cranach’s mastery and the characteristic style of the Northern Renaissance.
