The Banquet of Herod

Early 17th century

Oil on canvas

83 x 116 cm

with antique frame 100 x 135 cm

This exquisite painting, which depicts a sumptuous banquet set in the hall of an aristocratic palace, represents “Herod's Banquet” - the biblical episode taken from the Gospel of Matthew (14:3-11) - a very popular iconographic subject in the Baroque period, as it responded to the taste of the time for the representation of strong, contrasting and often fatal passions, as in our case, with the culminating moment of the martyrdom of St John the Baptist.

During King Herod's birthday party, the beautiful princess Salome performed a seductive dance for the pleasure of the guests: her dance was so well received that King Herod promised to give her anything she desired as a reward, even part of his kingdom.

The young woman went to ask her mother Herodias, the king's mistress, for advice. Herodias, eager for revenge against John the Baptist for publicly condemning her illicit marriage, ordered her to ask for the saint's head as a reward, displaying it like a trophy on a silver platter during the banquet.

In Flemish art, Herod's banquet was a theme that lent itself perfectly to displaying Baroque splendour, distinguished by its attention to luxurious details, costumes and the psychological tension of the diners: the great master Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) created his own masterful version around 1635, which can now be admired at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh (inv./cat.no NG 2193, https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/5382).

The painting, commissioned by the wealthy Flemish merchant and art collector Gaspar Roomer, who lived between Naples and Antwerp for work, had an enormous influence on European painting, striking the most illustrious European collectors with its strong narrative tension.

The painting was therefore an immediate success, so much so that there are several replicas and copies in private and public collections: our work, for example, is considered a high-quality version created by an artist from his workshop. It should be noted that Rubens was one of the most influential Flemish artists of the 17th century, and his studio in Antwerp was notoriously well organised, with countless assistants and pupils performing different roles in the production of his works, working for courts and patrons throughout Europe.

Similar copies:

Peter Paul Rubens, Herod's Banquet, Budapest Museum of Fine Arts.

Peter Paul Rubens (follower), Herod's Banquet, Birmingham Museums Trust

Peter Paul Rubens (follower), Herod's Banquet, National Museum in Warsaw, M.Ob.1460 MNW

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an antique frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda. We would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

Please contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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