The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

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The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Artist Georges Lallemant French, ca. 1575-1636

Date1625-1630

Dimensions(Sheet) H: 8 3/8 in. (213 mm); W: 11 3/4 in. (298 mm)

MediumEtching with added brown wash.

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineWilliam J. Hitchcock Fund in memory of Grace J. Hitchcock

Object number

2005.97

Not on View

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Works on Paper

Published ReferencesCf., Robert - Dumesnil 14; Reed, S. "French Prints from the Age of the Musketeers," Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1998Exhibition HistoryTMA, The Dramatic Image: Baroque Prints of the 17th Century, February 25 - July 31, 2011.Comparative ReferencesSee also, Robert - Dumesnil 14; Reed, S. "French Prints from the Age of the Musketeers", Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1998Label TextGeorges Lallemant used very thick and deeply etched lines in his theatrical image of the beheading of St. John the Baptist. The saint’s head has just been severed. The executioner holds it high for Herrod’s step daughter (commonly called Salome) to examine. She appears to be giving instructions for its presentation to Herrod. An old woman holds the platter on which the head will be placed. Georges Lallemant was one of the most important painters to work in France at the beginning of the 17th century. Little is known of his early training. He went to Paris in 1601 and was named Painter in Ordinary to the king in 1626. He maintained a large and active studio that trained Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665) among others.