This tragic and harrowing scene is best portrayed by Albrecht Dürer's innovation and mastery of the woodcut. His attention to detail is best seen through the expression and torment to be found in our characters' faces as the fate of John the Baptist is brought before them.
According to W. Strauss (1980), "But on Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised her whatsoever she would ask. And she, having been beforehand instructed by her mother, said, 'Give me here the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' And the king was sorry; nevertheless, for the oath's sake, and them who sat dining with him, he commanded it to be given to her. And he had John beheaded in the prison" (p. 442).
Printed c. 1525, this work is a Meder b (of g) impression, possibly a lifetime impression. This piece features the signature monogram of Albrecht Dürer (1471 - 1528) in the lower left of the image: '1511 | AD.'
