The artwork titled “Marianne Leaving the Judgement Seat of Herod” is a historical painting created by John William Waterhouse in 1887. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece is associated with the Romanticism art movement. It measures 183.5 x 267 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and evocative scene where a woman, presumably Marianne, is seen descending a grand staircase after departing the judgement seat of Herod, who is seated to the right. Herod, depicted in red robes, is engaged in a contemplative manner, while Marianne, dressed in flowing white garments adorned with golden accents, exudes a sense of serene defiance or melancholy. The setting is dominated by rich architectural elements, such as elaborate pillars, intricate patterns, and a prominent lion statue at the base of the stairs. The somber expressions of the figures and the opulent surroundings intensify the historical and emotional gravity of the scene.