Lot 25

Abraham Godyn (1655 - 1724) SALOME

The Feast of Herod, where Salome brings the severed head of St. John the Baptist, is one of the most popular and frequented themes of Renaissance and Baroque painting. From the expert assessment of PhDr. Štěpán Vácha, PhD: "It can be stated that this is a very high-quality work from around 1700, which shows both Flemish and Italian features, the mixing of which is well observable in the work of painter Abraham Godyn. ... The intensity of the moment emphasizes Herodiada's sharp gesture - she leans forward, her right hand resting on the tabletop, and the clenched fist of her left hand threatens John's head. It was Herodiada who talked her daughter Salome into asking for John the Baptist's head as a reward for her dance. Surprised diners watch the horrific scene with awe, the palace environment is evoked by drapery over the king and massive columns, between which a view of the city in the background opens up on the right. " The work of Abraham Godyn shows Rubensian exaggerated body volumes, rich Flemish colors and classicist clarity of composition and figures. A laboratory survey and expert assessments of PhDr. Štěpán Vácha has been made for this artwork.