Glossary

Select initial letter

Decapitation

A number of biblical stories, including Judith and Holofernes, David and Goliath and the life of Saint John the Baptist, involve decapitation (beheading).

Artist such as Liss have enjoyed exploiting the opportunities for gruesome drama which these incidents provide.

Judith in the Tent of Holofernes
Judith in the Tent of Holofernes
Johann Liss
about 1622
Judith in the Tent of Holofernes
The Story of David and Goliath
The Story of David and Goliath from Story of David Panels from a Pair of Cassoni (?)
Francesco Pesellino
about 1445-55
The Story of David and Goliath
Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist
Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
1607-10
Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist
 
  • Share
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN