The beheading of St. John the Baptist (1608)
Caravaggio's 'Beheading of St. John the Baptist' is a haunting portrayal of one of Christianity's most dramatic moments. Completed in 1608 for the Oratorio di San Giovanni in Valletta, Malta, this work demonstrates Caravaggio's mastery of chiaroscuro and his ability to capture raw human emotion. Measuring an impressive 361 x 520 cm, it is his only surviving signed work, with his signature uniquely displayed in St. John's blood as a testament to the artist's unconventional approach to storytelling.
Year 1608
About the Artwork
Commissioned by the Knights of St. John for the Co-Cathedral of St. John in Valletta, this painting was meant to commemorate the feast day of their patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Caravaggio created this monumental work during a tumultuous period in his life, having sought refuge in Malta after a series of scandals and legal troubles in Rome. The execution of St. John is depicted in a moment of chilling suspense, capturing the stark reality of violence infused with religious significance. The presence of Salome and the executioner alone highlights Caravaggio's skill in depicting human emotion, offering a glimpse into both the piety and brutality of the moment.
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Did You Know
This work is notable for being Caravaggio’s only surviving signed piece. Uniquely, his signature appears in the blood of St. John, indicating his signature style of blending art with narrative elements.
The painting captures the precise moment just before St. John’s beheading, a scene laden with drama and emotional weight, marking it as an exceptional example of Caravaggio’s propensity for theatricality.
The ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist’ has had a profound influence on Baroque art, admired for its emotive power and technical brilliance, often regarded as a pivotal work that encapsulates the spirit of Caravaggio’s stylistic innovations.
