Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist
Bernardino Luini·1525
Historical Context
Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist from 1525 at the Louvre is another version of this subject that Luini painted repeatedly. The painting's entry into the French royal collection reflects the high esteem in which Luini was held, often considered second only to Leonardo among Milanese painters. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays Leonardesque sfumato and gentle modeling, serene Madonna types with downcast eyes, soft transitions of light and shade, lyrical landscape backgrounds.
Technical Analysis
The Leonardesque sfumato creates soft transitions between light and shadow, Salome's serene beauty rendered with the sweetness and grace that are Luini's signature qualities.
