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The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist

Bernard van Orley Netherlandish
ca. 1514–15
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 636
This panel once formed the right wing of an altarpiece dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the left wing of which is nearby. The biblical texts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount the saint’s martyrdom. John was thrown into prison by King Herod for preaching against the ruler’s decision to marry his brother’s wife, Herodias. Scheming with her mother to get rid of John, Salome danced before Herod, demanding his head as a reward. Herod reluctantly agreed, and John’s head was delivered to Salome on a platter.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist
  • Artist: Bernard van Orley (Netherlandish, Brussels ca. 1492–1541/42 Brussels)
  • Date: ca. 1514–15
  • Medium: Oil on wood
  • Dimensions: 25 1/2 x 29 1/4 in. (64.8 x 74.3 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Hester Diamond, in honor of Maryan Ainsworth, 2020
  • Object Number: 2020.233
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
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The Final Assault on the Boar, or December from a set of the Hunts of Maximilian, Bernard van Orley , probably Netherlandish, Wool, silk (19-21 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.), French, Paris
The Final Assault on the Boar, or December from a set of the Hunts of Maximilian
Multiple artists/makers
designed ca. 1531, woven 1692–93
Adoration of the Kings, Bernard van Orley or a member of his workshop Netherlandish, Wool, silk, silver, silver-gilt thread (20 warps per inch, 8 per cm.), Netherlandish, Brussels
Adoration of the Kings
Multiple artists/makers
1525–1535
August from a set of Medallion Months, Bernard van Orley Netherlandish, Wool, silk (20 warps per inch, 8 per cm.), Netherlandish, Brussels
August from a set of Medallion Months
Bernard van Orley
ca. 1525–28
The Twelve Ages of a Man: The First Three Ages (Birth-18), or Spring, Bernard van Orley Netherlandish, Wool, silk (16-20 warps per inch, 6-8 per cm.), Netherlandish, Brussels
The Twelve Ages of a Man: The First Three Ages (Birth-18), or Spring
Bernard van Orley
ca. 1515
The Crucifixion, Bernard van Orley Netherlandish, Wool, silk, silver thread, silver-gilt thread (20-21 warps per inch, 7-8 per cm.), Netherlandish, Brussels
The Crucifixion
Multiple artists/makers
design ca. 1515, woven ca. 1525

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